Steps to Replace Car Brake Fluid
2 Answers
Here are the steps to replace car brake fluid: 1. Place the vehicle on a pit or lift it with a jack. 2. One person should be under the car, remove the rubber dust cap from the drain port, attach both ends of a transparent hose to the drain port and the waste oil collection bottle, then use a wrench to loosen the drain port screw counterclockwise. Meanwhile, the person inside the car should repeatedly press the brake pedal. At this point, brake fluid will spray out from the drain port. Pay attention to the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir and add new brake fluid as the level drops. Once the fluid coming out is clear, tighten the drain port screw. 3. The person inside the car should repeatedly press the brake pedal to its highest point and hold it there without releasing. The person under the car should loosen the drain port screw. Once the brake fluid is completely drained, tighten the screw and notify the person inside the car to release the pedal. Repeat this operation several times until no air bubbles are seen in the drained brake fluid. Keep an eye on the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir and add new brake fluid as the level drops to prevent air from entering the brake system. 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for each wheel until all the brake fluid is replaced.
I've handled quite a few car repairs, and changing the brake fluid is crucial. If not replaced in time, the absorbed moisture can affect braking performance. It's recommended to change it every two years or after 20,000 kilometers. As for the steps, prepare new brake fluid, a wrench, a hose, and a container. Having an assistant to help with bleeding the system makes things much easier. First, lift and stabilize the car, then drain the old fluid from the wheel bleeder valves one by one into the container, being careful not to dirty the ground. During the draining process, keep the fluid reservoir level topped up to prevent air from entering, which would complicate the bleeding process. When adding new fluid, use a funnel to prevent spills. Finally, have your assistant press the brake pedal while you open and close the bleeder valve several times to remove all air. After completion, test the brake pedal feel to ensure responsiveness. Remember, brake fluid is corrosive—avoid skin contact and dispose of the old fluid properly to prevent pollution. Neglecting these small details can lead to longer braking distances, which is very dangerous at high speeds.