How do I Bleed the Brakes on a 2003 Maxima?

The 2003 Nissan Maxima is equipped with disk brakes on all four wheels. The brakes work by utilizing a hydraulic piston to press two pads against a flat rotor, or disk. This causes friction, which in turn slows and eventually stops the car. If air seeps into the hydraulic system's brake lines, the brakes will not function properly. Air can enter the system during maintenance procedures that involve removing brake components or when the fluid level is allowed to drop too low. If this happens, you will have to bleed the air out of the lines.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable. This is only necessary if the car is equipped with antilock brakes. Clean the exterior of the master cylinder with rags to remove dirt and open the cap. Place a clean rag over the top of the master cylinder to prevent contamination.

2

Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels and raise the front and rear of the vehicle, supporting each side with two jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and take off all four wheels.

If you only have one jack stand, you can do one wheel at a time, starting with the right-rear wheel, then the left-front, the left-rear and the right-front.

3

Attach the tubing to the bleeder valve, which is high on the inner side of the brake caliper. Place the other end of the tube into a container.

4

Direct your assistant to slowly pump the brake pedal until it is hard and then hold it depressed.

5

Use a wrench to open the bleed valve, allowing air to escape, and then close the valve. Repeat the pumping, opening and closing process until brake fluid flows out of the valve. Close the valve and remove the tube.

Check the fluid level in the master cylinder. If necessary, add fluid to the "Full" mark.

6

Move to the left-front wheel and repeat Steps 3 through 5.

7

Move to the left-rear wheel and repeat Steps 3 through 5.

8

Move to the right-front wheel and repeat Steps 3 through 5.

9

Replace the wheels and lug nuts and lower the vehicle from the jack stands.Tighten the lug nuts. Check the fluid level in the master cylinder one last time and add fluid, if necessary. Close the cap on the master cylinder and reconnect the negative battery cable.