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How to Flush Brake Fluid

for all vehicles ( View guide for your vehicle )
Parts needed: Suggest Parts
Brake Fluid
Tools needed: Suggest Tools
Brake Bleeder Kit Floor Jack
(Show)
Supplies needed:
Clear Plastic Tube Can of brake cleaner
Estimated Costs:

DIY Costs
Est. $45.95 parts only Shop Costs
Est. $138.07 in parts and labor
Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

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1
 
Road test your vehicle and apply the brakes as normal. edit step - submit photo
2
 
Park your vehicle on a solid level surface and set the parking brake. edit step - submit photo
3
 
Open the hood and locate the master cylinder reservoir. Evacuate all the brake fluid from the reservoir. edit step - submit photo
Brake Fluid Reservoir on the Master Cylinder
4
 
Once all the brake fluid has been removed, fill the reservoir with new brake fluid . edit step - submit photo
5
 
Break loose the wheel lug nuts but do not remove. edit step - submit photo
Pry Bar used to break the lug nuts free
6
 
Using a floor jack, lift up your vehicle. edit step - submit photo
Jack used to raise vehicle
7
 
Secure the vehicle with jack stands before starting any work. Place a jack stand at each corner for safety. The pinch welds and the frame are the two best locations. Do not rely on the jack to hold the vehicle up while working. edit step - submit photo
8
 
Remove the wheel lug nuts. Remove the wheels and set them aside. edit step - submit photo
9
 
Locate the brake bleeder valve on your passenger side rear brake. edit step - submit photo
Brake Bleeder Valve
10
 
Install a piece of clear plastic tubing over the bleeder valve and place the other end into a container with 2 to 3 inches of brake fluid. edit step - submit photo
Bleeder closed with tube on valve and running into the container with brake fluid
11
 
Place a 1 x 4 block of wood under the brake pedal to prevent the pedal from traveling to far. edit step - submit photo
12
 
Have your assistant pump the brake pedal several times and then hold it down. edit step - submit photo
13
 
Crack the bleeder valve open. Old fluid and air bubbles will travel down the clear tubing and into the container. Tighten the bleeder valve. edit step - submit photo
Brake bleeder valve open while pedal is pressed to push out fluid
14
 
Repeat this process until clean fluid comes out of the bleeder valve and there are no more air bubbles. Check and refill the master cylinder. Do not allow the master cylinder to drain completely. edit step - submit photo
15
 
Repeat steps 10 through 14 for the left rear wheel, then the right front wheel, and finally the left front wheel. edit step - submit photo
16
 
Reinstall the wheels and snug down the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications in a star pattern. edit step - submit photo
17
 
Verify that you have a solid brake pedal. Road teat the vehicle. edit step - submit photo
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