Recommendation: Brake fluid is very hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air), which, in addition to the appearance of corrosion of brake system parts, lowers the boiling point of the fluid itself, and this can lead to brake failure during frequent intensive braking. Therefore, we recommend replacing the brake fluid at least once every 2 years.
Before replacing the brake fluid, check the hydraulic drive for leaks (see "Checking the tightness of the brake hydraulic drive") and troubleshoot.
You will need: a 8 mm wrench, brake fluid, a rubber or transparent hose, and a transparent container.
Recommendations. It is recommended to replace the brake fluid with an assistant, having previously installed the car on an inspection ditch, overpass or lift (no need to remove wheels).
Use DOT-4 brake fluid.
The order of replacing the fluid in the brake mechanisms:
- - rear right;
- - front left;
- - rear left;
- - front right.
Warning! Do not reuse the fluid drained from the system: it is contaminated, saturated with air and moisture. Always add only new fluid of the same brand that was previously poured into the system.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the surrounding air), therefore it cannot be stored in an open container.
Protect the environment! Do not pour used brake fluid into the soil or sewer system. You can find out about the location of collection points for used operating fluids in your area from your local authorities.
1. Unscrew the cap of the master brake cylinder reservoir.
2. Add clean brake fluid to the reservoir up to the lower edge of the filler neck.
Attention! Brake the car with the parking brake and install the anti-rollback stops ("shoes") under the rear wheels.
3. Clean the air release valves from dirt and remove the protective caps of the valves of the front wheel cylinders...
4. ...and rear brake mechanisms.
5. Attach the rubber hose to the right rear brake bleeder valve and immerse the end of the hose in a clean, clear container.
6. The assistant should sharply press the brake pedal four to five times (with an interval of 1–2 seconds between presses), and then hold the pedal pressed.
7. Loosen the air release valve by 1/2–3/4 of a turn. Old (dirty) brake fluid will start to flow out of the hose. At this point, the brake pedal should smoothly reach the stop. As soon as the fluid stops flowing, close the air release valve.
Note. Constantly monitor the fluid level in the reservoir, not allowing it to drop to the "MIN" mark on the reservoir wall. If necessary, add new brake fluid to prevent air from entering the hydraulic drive. This ensures that the old fluid is gradually replaced by the new one without draining the hydraulic system.
8. Replace the brake fluid in the left front brake mechanism in the same way.
9. Replace the fluid in the second circuit in the same way (first in the left rear brake mechanism, then in the right front).
10. Repeat steps 5–7 until the fluid in the drive is completely replaced (clean liquid without air bubbles should flow out of the hose).
11. After replacing the brake fluid, be sure to put the protective caps on the air release valves.
12. Add brake fluid to the level between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the tank wall. Screw the tank cap back on.
13. Check the quality of the work performed: press the brake pedal several times - the pedal travel and force on it should be the same each time you press it. If this is not the case, return to operations 5-9.
14. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal.