Flush the Brake System on a 2003 VW Jetta Tdi
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
- Drive the vehicle front wheels onto ramps.
- Place the gear selector in "Park" or "1st" gear.
- Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
- Place an oil drain pan under the passenger-side rear wheel.
- Engage the hood lever in the cabin compartment.
- Raise the engine hood.
- Remove the master cylinder brake reservoir cap (yellow) by turning counter-clockwise.
- Fill the reservoir with fresh Dot 4 genuine VW brake fluid to the fill line.
- Fill the reservoir of the brake bleeder pump with fresh Dot 4 VW brake fluid.
- Attach the hoses that came in the bleeder kit to the pump.
- Attach the adapter cap (Red) (packaged in the bleeder pump kit) to the master cylinder reservoir and turn clockwise until tight.
- Pump the handle of the brake bleeder until a pressure between 12 and 15psi is shown on the gauge of the pump.
- Position the body or use a creeper under the rear passenger-side rear wheel.
- Place a piece of plastic tubing (included in the pump kit) to the brake bleeder fitting.
- Using a 9mm box wrench, loosen the bleeder fitting by turning counter-clockwise.
- The pressure from the pump will force discolored and contaminated brake fluid to enter the drain pan.
- When there is no noticeable air bubbles and the brake fluid turns "clear", close the brake bleeder fitting.
- Move the drain to the drivers-side rear wheel.
- Repeat the above steps (17 through 19).
- Move the drain pan to the passenger-side front wheel.
- Repeat the above steps (17 through 19).
- Move the drain pan to the drivers-side front wheel.
- Repeat the above steps (17 through 19).
- Remove the drain pan, plastic tubing and 9mm wrench from under the front wheel.
- Pour the contaminated brake fluid in a plastic container for recycling.
- Unscrew the adapter cap (Red) by turning counter-clockwise.
- Attach the original cap (Yellow) to the reservoir by turning clockwise until tight.
- Remove the hoses and adapter cap to the brake bleeder pump and set aside.
- Have an assistant pump the brake pedal and check for pedal travel and firmness.
- Check for fluid leaks at all four (4) wheels.
- Close the engine hood.
- Remove rear wheel chocks.
- Back vehicle off ramps.
- 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
