How to Bleed the Brakes on a 1997 Honda Accord

The 1997 Accord is a dependable car, and like most Hondas it will last a long time if you keep up with all the routine maintenance like oil and filter changes, fluid levels, tire rotations and proper tire air pressure. The brake fluid needn't be replaced every time you change the brakes, but the fluid becomes contaminated and its water content increases over time. Honda recommends replacing the brake fluid every 25,000 to 30,000 miles. This involves removing all the old fluid from the reservoir, replacing it with new fluid then bleeding the entire brake system.

Instructions

1

Jack up the front of the 1997 Accord and remove the front wheels. Locate the bleeder valve on the edge of the inside brake caliper, facing the front of the car.

2

Remove the rubber cap from the bleeder valve. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder valve, and put the other end of the hose in a clean bottle on the ground. Top off the brake fluid reservoir with new fluid.

3

Have an assistant sit in the driver's seat of the Honda Accord. Say "Down," which is the cue for the assistant to press the brake pedal down to the floor. Open the bleeder valve with a box wrench and wait about three seconds until fluid stops coming out of the bleeder valve. Close the bleeder valve. Say "Up," which is the cue for the assistant to allow the brake pedal to rise all the way up. Say "Down," and repeat the process.

4

After about 20 repetitions, add more brake fluid to the reservoir. Repeat the process until the fluid coming out of the hose is noticeably cleaner and more transparent. Tighten the bleeder valve and replace the rubber cap.

5

Repeat the process with the brakes on each of the other wheels. Test the brakes on your Honda Accord at low speeds before going out on the highway.