How to Replace Brake Fluid?
4 Answers
Replace Brake Fluid by following these steps: 1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface and turn off the engine. Open the engine compartment cover and use a syringe to extract the fluid from the reservoir until it reaches the bottom. 2. Fill the reservoir with new brake fluid, using a funnel to avoid spilling it onto the engine compartment. 3. Use a jack to lift the vehicle, starting with the rear wheels, and remove the tires. 4. Locate the bleeder screw on the brake caliper and remove the rubber dust cap. 5. Use a wrench to loosen the bleeder screw, attach a rubber tube to it, and connect the other end to a drain bottle. Then, press the brake pedal inside the car. 6. When the fluid coming out of the rubber tube becomes lighter in color (indicating new fluid), stop pressing the brake pedal and reinstall the tire. 7. After completing the process for all four wheels, check the fluid level in the reservoir under the engine compartment. If it is at the lower limit, add new brake fluid as needed.
I've changed the brake fluid myself several times, and it doesn't seem complicated but requires caution. First, prepare new brake fluid (buy the right specification according to the vehicle manual), a wrench, a suction tube or special tools, and a helper to press the brake pedal. The operation sequence starts from the farthest wheel, such as the right rear wheel. Open the bleeder screw and have your friend press the brake pedal a few times to drain the old fluid while slowly adding new fluid to ensure no air enters the system. After the full replacement, test the brake pedal feel for firmness. Remember, brake fluid is corrosive—avoid splashing it on car paint or skin, as it can cause damage. I usually do this in dry weather to avoid moisture. Don't skimp on cheap fluid; changing it every two years can prevent brake failure.
I was a bit nervous about changing the brake fluid for the first time, but I gave it a try after watching online tutorials. Simply put, it requires two people to cooperate: I was responsible for draining the old fluid while my partner pumped the brake pedal. We prepared new fluid, an open-end wrench, and a transparent tube to attach to the bleeder valve. We drained the old fluid starting from the rear wheels to the front, watching the color in the tube change from dark to light, indicating it was clean. After the change, pump the brake pedal several times to check the pressure. Beginners often make the mistake of adding fluid too quickly, which can introduce air into the system. If the pedal feels spongy, stop immediately and take it to a professional. Doing it yourself only costs a few dozen bucks in materials, saving over a hundred compared to a shop. Don’t forget to clean up the area—oil spills are hazardous.
Changing brake fluid is crucial for safety, and I can't afford to be careless. Moisture mixing into the fluid can make the brakes feel spongy or even fail, so regular replacement is essential. The process is straightforward: gather the necessary tools, work with a partner to bleed the old fluid from each wheel in sequence, and refill with new fluid. However, inexperience can lead to mistakes, such as introducing air into the system, which slows brake response. I recommend leaving it to professional shops—they have the equipment to ensure a complete flush. Saving money isn't worth risking lives; brake issues are no joke. Remember to choose dry weather for this task, as working in humid conditions can introduce more moisture.
