Featured Image:
[Image of a mechanic bleeding brake fluid from a car]
How to Change Your Brake Fluid: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your brake fluid is an important part of maintaining your car’s braking system. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can lead to a decrease in braking performance and, in severe cases, even brake failure. The process of changing your brake fluid is relatively simple and can be done at home with a few basic tools.
**First, you’ll need to gather the following materials:**
* New brake fluid
* A brake bleeder wrench
* A clear plastic hose
* A wrench
* A jack
* Jack stands
* Gloves
* Eye protection
**Once you’ve gathered your materials, you can begin the process of changing your brake fluid.** First, you’ll need to identify the brake fluid reservoir. This is typically located under the hood of your car, near the firewall. Once you’ve found the reservoir, open the lid and check the fluid level. If the fluid is low, add new fluid until it reaches the “full” mark. Next, you’ll need to bleed the brakes. This involves opening the bleeder screws on each wheel and allowing the old fluid to drain out. As the old fluid drains out, new fluid will be drawn in from the reservoir. Continue bleeding the brakes until the new fluid is clear and free of air bubbles.
Safety First: Gathering Tools and Safety Precautions
Before embarking on the task of changing your brake fluid, it is paramount to prioritize your safety by donning appropriate gear and observing essential precautions.
Safety First
1. Protective Attire: Shield your eyes with safety goggles and safeguard your hands with heavy-duty gloves. Brake fluid can irritate skin and eyes, necessitating proper protection.
2. Ventilation: Perform the procedure in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes of the brake fluid.
3. Brake Fluid Compatibility: Utilize only the brake fluid type specified for your vehicle. Mixing different types can compromise braking performance.
4. Tools: Assemble a comprehensive toolkit, including a box wrench or socket wrench for opening brake lines, a turkey baster or large syringe for extracting old fluid, a clear container for draining the fluid, and a funnel for refilling the reservoir.
5. Cleanliness: Ensure that all tools and work surfaces are impeccably clean to prevent contamination of the brake system by dirt or debris.
Gathering Tools
| Essential Tools |
|---|
| Safety goggles |
| Heavy-duty gloves |
| Box wrench or socket wrench |
| Turkey baster or large syringe |
| Clear container for draining |
| Funnel for refilling |
Locating the Brake Fluid Reservoir
The brake fluid reservoir is usually located under the hood, near the firewall. It is a translucent plastic container with a cap that has a warning label about brake fluid being hazardous to health. The reservoir may be labeled with “BRAKE FLUID” or have a symbol of a car with brake lines leading to a reservoir.
In the case of a 2019 Honda Fit, the brake fluid reservoir is located on the driver’s side of the engine bay, near the firewall.
Here are the detailed steps on how to locate the brake fluid reservoir in a 2019 Honda Fit:
1. Open the hood.
2. Locate the black plastic cover on the driver’s side of the engine bay.
This cover is located near the firewall and has a large “H” logo on it. Remove the cover by pulling it straight up.
3. Under the cover, you will see the brake fluid reservoir.
It is a translucent plastic container with a black cap. The cap has a warning label about brake fluid being hazardous to health.
Removing Old Brake Fluid with a Brake Fluid Siphon Gun
Using a brake fluid siphon gun is a convenient and efficient method to remove old brake fluid. To do so, follow these steps:
- Connect the hose of the siphon gun to the bleeder screw on the brake caliper. Ensure a snug fit to prevent air leaks.
- Locate the master cylinder reservoir and open the cap. Insert the other end of the hose into the reservoir.
- Operate the siphon gun by pumping repeatedly. As you pump, the old brake fluid will be drawn out through the hose and into the reservoir. Continue pumping until all the old fluid is removed.
- Close the bleeder screw on the caliper and remove the hose from the bleeder screw and reservoir.
Tips for Using a Brake Fluid Siphon Gun
- Use a dedicated brake fluid siphon gun specifically designed for this purpose.
- Ensure that the hose of the siphon gun is properly attached to the bleeder screw and reservoir to avoid any spills or air leaks.
- Pump the siphon gun slowly and steadily to prevent air from entering the brake system.
- Keep an eye on the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir while using the siphon gun to avoid overfilling.
- If you encounter any resistance while pumping the siphon gun, stop and inspect for any blockages or air leaks in the system.
| Benefits of Using a Brake Fluid Siphon Gun | Cautions |
|---|---|
|
|
Replenishing the Reservoir and Priming the System
Once the old brake fluid has been drained, it’s time to replenish the reservoir and prime the system. Here’s how to do it:
1. Fill the Reservoir: Use the recommended brake fluid type specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Fill the reservoir to the “MAX” line. Do not overfill.
2. Locate the Bleeder Screws: Identify the bleeder screws located on each of the brake calipers. These screws allow air to escape from the system.
3. Prepare the Bleeder Screws: Clean the bleeder screws and surrounding areas using a wire brush or compressed air. This will help prevent dirt from entering the system.
4. Bleed the Brakes: This process involves opening and closing the bleeder screws to release trapped air while replenishing the reservoir with fresh fluid. Here’s a detailed explanation for bleeding the brakes:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| a | Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container of brake fluid. |
| b | Have an assistant press the brake pedal firmly and hold it down. |
| c | Slowly open the bleeder screw to release the fluid and air. |
| d | Once the fluid turns clear and free of air bubbles, close the bleeder screw while the assistant keeps the brake pedal pressed. |
| e | Release the brake pedal and repeat the process for the remaining brake calipers. |
5. Check Fluid Level: After bleeding the brakes, check the reservoir level and ensure it is between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks. If necessary, top up with additional fluid.
6. Test the Brakes: Once the system is primed, pump the brake pedal several times to build pressure. Take the car for a test drive and verify that the brakes are functioning properly.
Materials Required:
- New brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4)
- Brake fluid bleeder tool
- Jack and jack stands
- Funnel
- Rags
Troubleshooting Common Issues while Changing Brake Fluid
Air in the Brake Lines:
Symptoms: Soft brake pedal, spongy feeling when braking.
Causes: Improper bleeding, air leaks in the brake lines.
Solution: Re-bleed the brake system, checking for any leaks in the brake lines and tightening connections as necessary.
Leaking Brake Fluid:
Symptoms: Visible fluid leakage from brake lines, calipers, or master cylinder.
Causes: Worn or damaged brake components, loose connections.
Solution: Inspect brake components for damage, replace or repair leaking parts, and tighten any loose connections.
Brake Fluid Overfill:
Symptoms: Brake fluid level above the “MAX” mark on the reservoir.
Causes: Overfilling during fluid change.
Solution: Use a turkey baster or syringe to remove excess brake fluid from the reservoir.
#### Brake Fluid Contamination:
Symptoms: Dark or cloudy brake fluid, decreased braking performance.
Causes: Mixing different types of brake fluid, moisture or debris in the fluid.
Solution: Flush and replace the entire brake fluid system, cleaning and inspecting brake components.
#### Brake Pedal Pulsation:
Symptoms: Brake pedal vibrates or pulsates when braking.
Causes: Warped brake rotors or pads.
Solution: Replace warped or damaged brake components such as rotors or pads, and have the brake system inspected for any underlying issues.
Tightening the Brake Line and Testing the Brake System
Tightening the Brake Line
Now that the new brake fluid has been installed, it’s time to tighten the brake line. Use a 10mm wrench to carefully tighten the brake line until it is snug. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the brake line or fitting.
Testing the Brake System
Once the brake line is tightened, it’s important to test the brake system to ensure that it is functioning properly. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Start the engine and let it idle.
2. Slowly press the brake pedal and hold it for a few seconds. The brake pedal should feel firm and not spongy.
3. Release the brake pedal and then press it again. The brake pedal should feel the same as it did before you released it.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 several times to make sure that the brake system is working properly.
If the brake pedal feels spongy or if it does not feel the same when you press it repeatedly, there may be a problem with the brake system. In this case, it is important to have the brake system inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Using a Pressure Bleeder for a More Effective Flush
A pressure bleeder is a tool that can be used to make the brake fluid flushing process more efficient and effective. It works by applying pressure to the brake fluid reservoir, which forces the old fluid out of the lines and calipers. This can be a much faster and easier way to bleed the brakes than using the traditional method of pumping the brake pedal. Here are the steps on how to use a pressure bleeder to change your brake fluid:
1. Gather your materials.
You will need the following materials:
* A pressure bleeder
* Brake fluid
* A clean rag
* A funnel
* A wrench
2. Prepare the pressure bleeder.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the pressure bleeder. This will typically involve filling the reservoir with brake fluid and attaching the bleeder to the brake fluid reservoir in your car.
3. Open the bleeder valves.
Locate the bleeder valves on the calipers of your car. Start by opening the bleeder valve on the rear driver’s side tire.
4. Apply pressure to the brake fluid reservoir.
Use the pressure bleeder to apply pressure to the brake fluid reservoir. This will force the old brake fluid out of the lines and calipers.
5. Collect the old brake fluid.
Place a clean rag under the bleeder valve to collect the old brake fluid. As the old fluid is forced out, it will drip into the rag.
6. Close the bleeder valves.
Once all of the old brake fluid has been flushed out of the lines, close the bleeder valves.
7. Check the brake fluid level.
Use a funnel to add new brake fluid to the reservoir. Be careful not to overfill the reservoir. The brake fluid level should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks on the reservoir.
Selecting the Right Brake Fluid for Your Honda Fit
It’s essential to choose the right brake fluid for your Honda Fit to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your braking system. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the appropriate fluid:
DOT Classification
Brake fluids are classified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) based on their boiling points. Higher DOT numbers indicate higher boiling points and better performance under extreme conditions. For a 2019 Honda Fit, DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid is typically recommended.
Boiling Point
The boiling point of brake fluid is crucial as it determines its ability to withstand high temperatures without vaporizing. A high boiling point ensures that the fluid maintains its effectiveness even under heavy braking and reduced the risk of brake fade.
Viscosity
Viscosity refers to the thickness of the brake fluid. It affects the flow characteristics and the efficiency of the braking system. A higher viscosity fluid provides more resistance to flow, while a lower viscosity fluid flows more easily. The viscosity should be appropriate for the specific brake system design and should not be too high or too low.
Compatibility
Brake fluids can be incompatible with certain types of rubber components in the braking system. Using an incompatible fluid can damage seals, hoses, and other rubber parts. It’s important to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic to determine the compatible fluid type for your Honda Fit.
Synthetic vs. Conventional
Brake fluids can be either synthetic or conventional. Synthetic fluids offer superior performance, higher boiling points, and longer service intervals. However, they are generally more expensive than conventional fluids.
Time and Mileage Recommendations
The recommended brake fluid change intervals vary depending on the type of fluid used and the driving conditions. DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids typically require replacement every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles. Synthetic fluids may have longer service intervals of up to 5 years or 60,000-90,000 miles.
How to Change Your Brake Fluid 2019 Honda Fit
Changing the brake fluid in your 2019 Honda Fit is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. By following the steps below, you can ensure that your brake system is operating safely and efficiently.
Materials You’ll Need
- New brake fluid (Honda DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid is recommended)
- Brake fluid bleeder screws (4)
- 10mm wrench
- Clear plastic tubing (1/4-inch diameter, about 3 feet long)
- Empty container for old brake fluid
Steps:
- Locate the brake fluid reservoir. It is typically located under the hood and is marked with a “BRAKE FLUID” label.
- Open the brake fluid reservoir and remove the cap.
- Use a turkey baster or syringe to remove the old brake fluid from the reservoir.
- Fill the reservoir with new brake fluid to the “MAX” line.
- Locate the bleeder screw on the rear passenger side of the car and attach the clear plastic tubing to it.
- Place the other end of the tubing into the empty container.
- Open the bleeder screw slightly until the old brake fluid begins to drain out.
- Pump the brake pedal several times to help purge the old brake fluid from the system.
- Close the bleeder screw once the new brake fluid begins to flow out.
- Repeat steps 6-9 for the remaining bleeder screws, starting with the rear driver side, then the front passenger side, and finally the front driver side.
- Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and add more if necessary.
- Tighten the brake fluid cap and dispose of the old brake fluid properly.
People Also Ask About How To Change Your Brake Fluid 2019 Honda Fit
How often should I change my brake fluid?
Honda recommends changing the brake fluid in your 2019 Fit every three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What type of brake fluid should I use?
Honda DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid is recommended for the 2019 Fit.
Can I change my brake fluid myself?
Yes, changing the brake fluid in your 2019 Fit is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. However, if you are not comfortable working on your own car, it is recommended that you have it done by a qualified mechanic.
