How to Change the Brake Fluid on a New 2005 VW Beetle

You need to change th brake fluid in your Volkswagen New Beetle at 30,000 miles or after two years. The fluid gets moisture and other contaminants in it over time, reducing its effectiveness. Brake fluid can't be drained like engine oil; you have to siphon it out directly from its cylinder and reservoir in the engine. Changing this fluid will cause air to enter the brake system, meaning you'll need to bleed this air out of the system.

Instructions

1

Open the cap on the brake fluid reservoir,which is located at the engine firewall below the air duct.

2

Siphon out the brake fluid using a hand suction pump or a similar device. Transfer the fluid into a disposeable container and make sure you know all your local laws for disposing of this fluid.

3

Pour new DOT 4 brake fluid into the master cylinder reservoir up to the reservoir's indicator line.

4

Raise the car, support it on jack stands and remove all four wheels.

5

Loosen the bleeder valve on the right rear wheel and connect a thin, clear tube to the valve, submerging the tube's other end in a small plastic bottle partially filled with brake fluid.

6

Open the valve with your wrench as another person presses on the brake pedal; look for air and old fluid to come out the tube. Tighten the valve and release the pedal, then repeat until a steady stream of clean fluid comes out.

7

Repeat the bleeding process at the left rear, right front and left front wheels; check the fluid level in the reservoir each time and add extra fluid if needed.

8

Reconnect the wheels, lower the car and top off the reservoir after bleeding all four wheels.