How to Flush the Brake System on a 2003 VW Jetta Tdi

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual.

This article describes how a VW Jetta owner can bleed the brake system and save money on professional repairs. A brake bleeder (available at auto parts stores and on the Internet) is used to remove moisture, and expel contaminated brake fluid from the brake system.

Steps

1. 1
   Drive the vehicle front wheels onto ramps.

   
   
2. 2
   Place the gear selector in "Park" or "1st" gear.
3. 3
   Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
4. 4
   Place an oil drain pan under the passenger-side rear wheel.
5. 5
   Engage the hood lever in the cabin compartment.
6. 6
   Raise the engine hood.
7. 7
   Remove the master cylinder brake reservoir cap (yellow) by turning counter-clockwise.
8. 8
   Fill the reservoir with fresh Dot 4 genuine VW brake fluid to the fill line.
9. 9
   

   Filling Brake Bleeder Reservoir
   Fill the reservoir of the brake bleeder pump with fresh Dot 4 VW brake fluid.
10. 10
    

    Attaching Hoses to Pump
    Attach the hoses that came in the bleeder kit to the pump.
11. 11
    

    Attaching Adapter Cap to Reservoir
    Attach the adapter cap (Red) (packaged in the bleeder pump kit) to the master cylinder reservoir and turn clockwise until tight.
12. 12
    

    Pressurizing Brake Bleeder
    Pump the handle of the brake bleeder until a pressure between 12 and 15psi is shown on the gauge of the pump.
13. 13
    

    Positioning Body Under Rear Wheel
    Position the body or use a creeper under the rear passenger-side rear wheel.
14. 14
    Place a piece of plastic tubing (included in the pump kit) to the brake bleeder fitting.
15. 15
    Using a 9mm box wrench, loosen the bleeder fitting by turning counter-clockwise.
16. 16
    The pressure from the pump will force discolored and contaminated brake fluid to enter the drain pan.
17. 17
    When there is no noticeable air bubbles and the brake fluid turns "clear", close the brake bleeder fitting.
18. 18
    Move the drain to the drivers-side rear wheel.
19. 19
    Repeat the above steps (17 through 19).
20. 20
    Move the drain pan to the passenger-side front wheel.
21. 21
    Repeat the above steps (17 through 19).
22. 22
    Move the drain pan to the drivers-side front wheel.
23. 23
    Repeat the above steps (17 through 19).
24. 24
    Remove the drain pan, plastic tubing and 9mm wrench from under the front wheel.
25. 25
    Pour the contaminated brake fluid in a plastic container for recycling.
26. 26
    Unscrew the adapter cap (Red) by turning counter-clockwise.
27. 27
    Attach the original cap (Yellow) to the reservoir by turning clockwise until tight.
28. 28
    Remove the hoses and adapter cap to the brake bleeder pump and set aside.
29. 29
    Have an assistant pump the brake pedal and check for pedal travel and firmness.
30. 30
    Check for fluid leaks at all four (4) wheels.
31. 31
    Close the engine hood.
32. 32
    Remove rear wheel chocks.
33. 33
    Back vehicle off ramps.
34. 34
    Road test vehicle.

Tips

• Always wear safety glasses when working around brake fluids.

Warnings

• Use only VW brake fluid in the brake system of your VW Jetta.
• Take used brake fluid to a recycling center. It is illegal in most cities of the United States to pour brake fluid in alleys, backyards, and storm drains.

Things You'll Need

• Ramps (2)
• Wheel chocks
• Creeper (optional)
• Brake bleeder
• Dot 4 VW brake fluid
• Shop rags or paper towels
• 9mm box wrench

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Flush the Brake System on a 2003 VW Jetta Tdi. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.