How to Replace Brake Fluid by Yourself?
2 Answers
Here are the steps to replace brake fluid by yourself: 1. Open the hood: Park the vehicle on a flat surface, turn off the engine, open the hood, and use a syringe to extract the fluid from the reservoir until it is empty. 2. Add new brake fluid: Fill the reservoir with new brake fluid. Use a funnel during pouring to avoid spilling onto the engine compartment, as brake fluid is corrosive. 3. Remove the tire: Use a jack to lift the vehicle, starting with the rear wheels, and remove the tire. 4. Locate the bleed screw: Find the bleed screw on the brake caliper and remove the rubber dust cap. 5. Loosen the bleed screw: Use a wrench to loosen the bleed screw, attach a rubber tube to it, and connect the other end to a drain bottle. 6. Begin pumping the brake pedal: If two people are working together, one can pump the brake pedal while the other observes the fluid drainage. Pay attention to the color of the brake fluid in the rubber tube. Old fluid is darker, while new fluid is lighter. If the fluid coming out of the tube is the lighter new fluid, the fluid replacement for that wheel is complete. Stop pumping the brake pedal, reinstall the tire, and repeat the process for the remaining three wheels.
As a seasoned car owner with over 20 years of driving experience, I often change the brake fluid myself to save money and learn new skills. When preparing tools, I recommend DOT 4 brake fluid, a wrench, a plastic straw or syringe, a bucket for waste oil, and cleaning cloths—don’t forget to wear protective gloves. Before changing the fluid, ensure the car is parked on level ground with the engine off, open the hood to locate the brake fluid reservoir, and wipe the cap clean to prevent dust from entering. Be careful not to spill the old fluid when draining it, as it is corrosive. The bleeding sequence starts from the farthest rear wheel, typically right rear, left rear, right front, and left front—ask a friend to help pump the brakes to purge air, or buy a dedicated bleeding tool if working alone. After completing the process, check that the fluid level is within the normal range, top up with new fluid, and test the brakes with light pressure during a low-speed test drive. I usually change it every two years because brake fluid absorbs moisture and degrades over time, leading to longer braking distances—safety is no trivial matter. If you’re a beginner and feel unsure, it’s best to visit a repair shop.
