Welcome to AutoMD! - Join AutoMD -
Mobile
show
Home » How-to » Brakes » Hydraulic System » How to Flush Brake Fluid

How to Flush Brake Fluid

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

DIY Costs
Est. $41.95 parts only Shop Costs
Est. $138.07 in parts and labor
Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

Contributor(s) to this Article
Print this page
1
 
Road test your vehicle and apply the brakes as normal.
2
 
Park your vehicle on a solid level surface and set the parking brake.
3
 
Open the hood and locate the master cylinder reservoir. Evacuate all the brake fluid from the reservoir.
Brake Fluid Reservoir on the Master Cylinder
4
 
Once all the brake fluid has been removed, fill the reservoir with new brake fluid .
5
 
Break loose the wheel lug nuts but do not remove.
Pry Bar used to break the lug nuts free
6
 
Using a floor jack, lift up your vehicle.
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.
8
 
Remove the wheel lug nuts. Remove the wheels and set them aside.
9
 
Locate the brake bleeder valve on your passenger side rear brake.
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.
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.
12
 
Have your assistant pump the brake pedal several times and then hold it down.
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.
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.
15
 
Repeat steps 10 through 14 for the left rear wheel, then the right front wheel, and finally the left front wheel.
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.
17
 
Verify that you have a solid brake pedal. Road teat the vehicle.
Did you find this guide helpful?   Helpful   Not really
 

Your Garage

We'll align your AutoMD experience to your current vehicle.

Select your vehicle so we can provide exact information, estimates and recommendations that match your vehicle