How to Drain Brake Fluid

Clean brake fluid is necessary if your vehicle's brake system is to operate safely and properly. Here's how to drain and replace dirty or contaminated brake fluid yourself, to save money.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and disengage your vehicle's level warning switch harness and the negative battery cable.

2

Locate the master cylinder, remove the cap and drain the brake fluid from the reservoir with a turkey baster or syringe. Place the drained fluid in a plastic container and discard in a safe location.

3

Disconnect the brake tubes from the master cylinder with a line wrench. Drain the fluid from the brake lines and place in the same container you used in Step 2.

4

Plug the brake lines to keep any fluid from leaking onto or damaging any painted surfaces and to prevent any moisture from entering your brake system.

5

Unplug the connector from the brake fluid reservoir.

6

Eliminate the three nuts attaching the master cylinder and 3-way union to the brake booster. Take the master cylinder off the booster studs then take out and discard the old gasket.

7

Dispose of the used brake fluid and gaskets properly.

8

Clean the master cylinder and surrounding area. Add new brake fluid to the reservoir.