Brake Fluid Flush

**Objective**: To provide a detailed procedure for performing a brake fluid flush, ensuring the vehicle's braking system operates efficiently and safely.

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Importance of a Brake Fluid Flush

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**Why and When**:

- **Why**: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can lead to reduced braking efficiency and potential brake failure. Regular flushing ensures the fluid is clean and maintains proper braking performance.

- **When**: It is recommended to perform a brake fluid flush every 2 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Also, perform it if the brake fluid appears dirty or has absorbed moisture.

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### Tools and Materials Needed

- Brake fluid (DOT 4)

- Brake bleeder kit

- Wrenches (various sizes)

- Brake cleaner

- Safety glasses and gloves

- Jack and Jack stands

- Wheel chocks

- Drain pan

- Turkey baster or fluid extractor

- Torque wrench

- Clean rags

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Step-by-Step Procedure

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### 1. Preparation (10 minutes)

1. **Ensure Safety (5 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against brake fluid, which is corrosive.

- **Image**: Technician wearing PPE (safety glasses and gloves).

2. **Position the Vehicle (5 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Place the car on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.

- **Image**: BMW X6 with wheel chocks in place.

### 2. Lifting the Vehicle (10 minutes)

1. **Jack Up the Car (10 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Use a jack to lift the car and secure it with jack stands at the recommended lift points.

- **Image**: BMW X6 lifted on jack stands.

### 3. Removing the Wheels (15 minutes)

1. **Remove Wheels (15 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Use a lug wrench to remove the wheel bolts and take off the wheels.

- **Image**: Technician removing wheels from BMW X6.

### 4. Accessing the Brake System (10 minutes)

1. **Locate Bleeder Valves (10 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Identify and access the bleeder valves on each brake caliper.

- **Image**: Close-up of bleeder valve on the brake caliper.

### 5. Removing Old Brake Fluid (20 minutes)

1. **Extract Old Fluid from Reservoir (10 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Use a turkey baster or fluid extractor to remove old brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.

- **Image**: Technician extracting fluid from master cylinder reservoir.

2. **Clean Reservoir (5 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Wipe the inside of the reservoir with a clean rag.

- **Image**: Technician cleaning brake fluid reservoir.

3. **Refill with Fresh Brake Fluid (5 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Fill the master cylinder reservoir with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid.

- **Image**: Technician pouring fresh brake fluid into the reservoir.

### 6. Bleeding the Brake Lines (45 minutes)

1. **Attach Bleeder Kit (5 minutes per wheel, total 20 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Attach the brake bleeder kit to the bleeder valve of the first wheel.

- **Image**: Brake bleeder kit attached to bleeder valve.

2. **Bleed Brakes (5 minutes per wheel, total 20 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Have an assistant press the brake pedal while you open the bleeder valve. Let the fluid flow until clear, air-free fluid comes out. Repeat for each wheel.

- **Image**: Technician bleeding brakes, with clear fluid flowing.

3. **Check Fluid Level (5 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Continuously monitor and top up the brake fluid in the reservoir to prevent air from entering the system.

- **Image**: Technician checking brake fluid level.

### 7. Final Steps (25 minutes)

1. **Reattach Wheels (15 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Reattach the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

- **Image**: Technician reattaching and tightening wheels.

2. **Test Brakes (5 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Press the brake pedal to ensure it feels firm and that there are no leaks.

- **Image**: Technician testing brake pedal firmness.

3. **Clean Up (5 minutes)**

- **Explanation**: Clean up any spilled brake fluid and dispose of old fluid properly.

- **Image**: Technician cleaning up the work area.

Total Time Required

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**2 hours 15 minutes**

Safety and Quality Assurance

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- **Brake Fluid Handling**: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Brake fluid is corrosive and can damage painted surfaces.

- **Proper Disposal**: Dispose of old brake fluid according to local environmental regulations.

- **Check for Leaks**: Double-check all connections and ensure there are no leaks in the system.

- **Final Inspection**: Ensure all components are properly reassembled and the brake fluid level is correct.

By following this SOP, you ensure a thorough, safe, and effective brake fluid flush, maintaining optimal braking performance and customer satisfaction.

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