How to Flush The Brake System on a 2003 VW Jetta TDI

This procedure does not display properly on this site.

Go to the new and improved web site at http://www.vwtdirepair.com to view the photos and text.  This procedure and 43 other projects at  the above URL can be viewed in all browsers.

Project 44 How to Flush the Brakes On a 2003 Jetta GLS TDI

VW recommends the brake fluid should be flushed and replenished every two (2) years or twenty-four (24) months. A technician at a dealership uses a machine to do the job in ten (10) minutes at a cost of $129.00. You don't have such a tool, but you can fight back.

A brake bleeder (available at auto parts stores) can be used to remove moisture and expel contaminated fluid from the brake system. Simply remove the master cylinder cap, attach the supplied adapter cap, fill the reservoir with brake fluid, pressurize reservoir with pump, and lastly open the bleed fittings at each wheel.

A brake bleeder is a common brake system tool The most common brands of brake bleeding tools are; namely, Vacula, Motive, and other brands sold on-line and auto parts stores.

The steps below show you how to use a brake bleeder pump so that you can save MONEY on professional repairs:

Repair Steps

Step 1 - Drive the vehicle front wheels onto ramps (2).

Step 2 - Place the gear selector in "Park".

Step 3 - Place wheel chocks behind the two (2) rear wheels.

Step 4 - Place an oil drain pan under the passenger-side rear wheel.

Step 5 - Raise the hood and remove the brake reservoir cap by turning counter-clockwise.

Step 6 - Fill the reservoir with fresh Dot 4 VW brake fluid to the fill line.

Warning

Only use original VW brake fluid in your Jetta brake system.

Step 7 - Fill the tank of the brake bleeder pump with fresh Dot 4 VW brake fluid. Figure 44-1 shows the bleeder pump being filled with Dot 4 VW brake fluid.

Figure 44-1 Filling Brake Bleeder With Brake Fluid

Note

A  Motive brake bleeder pump can be ordered from VW speciality sites on the Internet. It comes with cap adapter and tubing to attach to the brake bleed fittings (See Figure 44-2).

Figure 44-2 Typical Brake Bleeder

Step 8 - Attach the adapter cap (red) to the master cylinder reservoir. Figure 44-3 shows the adapter cap attached to the reservoir.

Figure 44-3 Brake Bleeder Adapter Cap

Step 9 - Pump the handle of the bleeder to pressurize the  brake system.

Step 10 - Continue pumping the handle of the bleeder until a reading of 25 to 30psi is shown on the dial of the gauge (See Figure 44-4).

Figure 44-4 Pressurizing Brake Bleeder

Step 11 - Position the body under the passenger-side rear wheel.

Step 12 - Place a piece of plastic tubing (included with bleeder pump kit) on the brake bleed fitting.

Step 13 -Using a 9mm box wrench, loosen the brake bleed fitting by turning counter-clockwise.

Step 14 - The pressure from the pump will force discolored and contaminated brake fluid to enter the drain pan.

Step 15 -When there are no noticeable air bubbles and the brake fluid turns "clear", close the brake bleed fitting by turning clockwise.

Step 16 - Remove the plastic tubing from the brake bleeder fitting.

Step 17 - Repeat Steps 11 thru 16 on the drivers-side rear brake bleed fitting.

Step 18 - Repeat Steps 11 thru 16 on the drivers-side front brake bleed fitting.

Step 19 - Repeat Steps 11 thru 16 on the passenger-side front brake bleed fitting.

Finishing Up

Step 20 - Remove the oil drain pan and tools from under the passenger-side front wheel.

Step 21 - Pour the contaminated brake fluid in a plastic container for recycling.

Step 22 - Unscrew adapter cap (red) by turning counter-clockwise.

Step 23 - Screw on the original brake reservoir cap (yellow) by turning clockwise.

Step 24 - Remove the hoses to the brake bleeder and set pump aside.

Step 25 -Check for a firm brake pedal.

Step 26 - Check for fluid leaks at all four (4) wheels.

Step 27 - Close the hood.

Step 28 - Remove rear wheel chocks.

Step 29 - Back vehicle off ramps.

Step 30 - Road test vehicle.

Tools and Equipment

Ramps (2)

Wheel chocks

Brake bleeder

Oil pan

DOT 4 VW brake fluid

9mm box wrench

More Maintenance