How to change brake fluid(Step By Step)
How to change brake fluid step by step
What You'll Need to to Change Brake Fluid
In order to change brake fluid, you'll need the following. Note that if you've ever "bled" your brakes to address brake pedal sponginess (an indication compressible air has gotten in) then you already know how to change brake fluid.
You’ll need:
Jack and Jack Stands – To lift and support your vehicle.
Wheel Removal Tools – To remove your wheels to access your brakes.
Torque Wrench – To reinstall your wheels.
Brake Bleeder Tool – Buy one or make one of a plastic bottle and hose.
Brake Bleeder Wrench – Usually an 8 mm or 10 mm box wrench, to loosen the bleeder screw.
32 oz Brake Fluid – You’re going to use a lot to flush out the old fluid.
New Bleeder Caps – Bleeder caps degrade or get lost.
Brake Fluid Siphon – To remove old brake fluid from the brake master cylinder reservoir.
Brake Cleaner and Rags – To clean everything up.
PPE – Nitrile gloves and safety glasses, as brake fluid is an irritant.
Rust Penetrant – WD-40 or PB Blaster can help loosen an old bleeder screw.
Step by Step Brake Fluid Change
Start by lifting and supporting your car on jack stands and removing the wheels.
Remove the bleeder caps and spray the bleeder screws with rust penetrant. While this is working in, open the hood and remove the master cylinder reservoir cap.
Use the siphon or extractor to remove as much of the old brake fluid as possible. You might need to remove a strainer to get deeper into the reservoir. Refill the reservoir, then move on to bleed each wheel in order, right rear (RR), left rear (LR), right front (RF), left front (LF). Important: Do not let the reservoir go empty, otherwise you must start over to get air out of the master cylinder.
Place the bleeder wrench on the bleeder screw, then attach the plastic hose. Open the bleeder 1/4-turn and pump the brake pedal 5 or 6 times. Check and refill the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir.
Pump the brake pedal another 5 or 6 times. Check for fresh fluid and no bubbles in the bleeder hose. If fluid is still dark, another 5 or 6 pumps might be needed to finish the job. Aim to pump about 8 oz of new brake fluid into the system for each brake, then close the bleeder screw.
Repeat A and B for the LR, RF, and LF brakes.
After checking all brake bleeders are closed, fill the master cylinder reservoir to “FULL,” install the cap, and start the car. Step on the brake pedal and check that it feels firm. Clean any spilled brake fluid, install the bleeder caps, install the wheels, torque the wheel nuts, and go for a test drive. Used brake fluid can be recycled with your used oil.
Now, to change brake fluid might sound like a lot of steps, but it’s a simple job that can significantly improve braking effectiveness and vehicle safety.