Steps to Replace Brake Fluid?
2 Answers
Replacing brake fluid involves the following steps: 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, turn off the engine, open the hood, 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 during pouring to avoid spilling onto the engine compartment, as brake fluid is corrosive. 3. Use a jack to lift the vehicle, starting with the rear wheels, and remove the tires. 4. Locate the brake caliper's bleed screw and remove the rubber dust cap. 5. Loosen the bleed screw with a wrench, attach a rubber tube to it, and connect the other end to a drainage bottle. 6. Have someone press the brake pedal inside the vehicle while another observes the fluid drainage. 7. After all four wheels have been bled, check the fluid level in the reservoir under the hood to ensure it is within the marked upper and lower limits. 8. The brake fluid replacement is now complete. After tidying up, start the vehicle and test the brakes in a relatively safe area.
I often change the brake fluid at home myself, finding it quite convenient and cost-effective. First, prepare the necessary tools: new brake fluid (DOT4 is recommended to match your vehicle), a wrench that fits the caliper bolts, an oil drain pan or an old bottle to collect the used fluid, and a suction tube or manual fluid extractor. Drive the car onto a lift, safely raise and secure it, and place wheel chocks to prevent rolling. The first step is to extract the old fluid from the master cylinder using the suction tube—do it slowly to avoid introducing air, leaving some fluid to prevent air from entering. Then, proceed to bleed the old fluid according to the manual's sequence, starting from the farthest wheel (e.g., the rear left). Loosen the bleeder bolt to let the fluid flow out. If working alone, prepare long-reach tools to avoid constant repositioning. After bleeding one wheel, refill the master cylinder with new fluid, ensuring the level doesn't drop below the 'MIN' line. Bleeding is a critical step—ideally done with two people: one gently presses the brake pedal inside the car (avoid stomping), while the other checks for air bubbles outside until the fluid runs clear. Once done, top up the fluid level and test the brake pedal—it should feel firm, not spongy. Dispose of the old fluid in a sealed container at a professional recycling point to avoid environmental contamination. Brake fluid should be replaced every two years to prevent moisture absorption, which can degrade performance and increase stopping distances. I recommend beginners watch automotive forum videos to learn techniques—safety first, and wear gloves to protect against corrosion.
