DIY guide · Moderate
How to flush your brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs water over time, which lowers its boiling point and can corrode parts. A flush replaces it, and a pressure or one-way bleeder makes it a one-person job.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Time in the bay
- 1 to 2 hours
- Best bay
- Low scissor lift
- Bay cost, plus tax
- $50
This is a general guide, not a manual for your car. Your vehicle's service manual comes first, especially for torque values, fluid types and capacities. Support the car on the lift locks or jack stands before you go under it, wear eye protection, and if a step feels wrong, stop and ask us. We do not do welding, grinding or painting in the bays.
Look these up before you book
- The fluid grade on the reservoir cap
- The bleed order for your car
- Whether ABS needs a scan tool for a full bleed
Tools
- Wrench for bleeder screws
- Clear hose and bottle, or a one-way valve bleeder
- Fluid catch bottle
- Torque wrench
- Brake cleaner
Parts and fluids
- Brake fluid of the type printed on the cap (usually DOT 3 or DOT 4)
- A sealed bottle: opened fluid goes bad
There is an AutoZone nearby, and during business hours parts usually reach the shop in about 10 to 20 minutes. Forgot a filter or need a different size? Order it, keep working, and do not lose your slot.
The retailer's own vehicle picker confirms what fits your car. Always compare the part number with your old part.
Step by step
- Raise the car and remove the wheelsWheels off, you can reach each bleeder screw.
- Remove old fluid from the reservoirSuck it out with a clean syringe and top up with new fluid.
- Bleed each wheel in the correct orderOpen the bleeder, let the old fluid out, close it before the pedal returns. Repeat until clear new fluid flows with no bubbles.
- Keep the reservoir fullIf it runs dry, air gets into the system and you start again.
- Torque the bleeders, refit the wheels, test the pedalThe pedal should be firm before you move the car.
Mistakes to avoid
- Letting the reservoir run empty
- Using the wrong fluid
- Over-tightening bleeder screws, which snap easily
- Reusing opened fluid
Stop and ask for help if
- If the pedal stays soft after bleeding, or a bleeder screw is seized or snaps, stop and call us.
Doing it in our bays
Wheels off on the scissor or 2-post makes each bleeder easy to reach. Do it with a brake job and you only take the wheels off once.
Every bay has air, power, work lights and jack stands, and the lift bays come with a short safety walkthrough. Bring your own hand tools, parts and fluids. New to lifts? Read how your first visit goes.
Questions
How often?
Many makers say every two to three years.