How to Replace the Brake Fluid on a 1999 Mazda 626

Mazda produced the 626 in 1999 with a hydraulic power brake system. The nature of a hydraulic power brake system requires that the system be bled anytime a part of the system is removed or replaced. The fluid in the system becomes contaminated through use and age, which requires flushing the fluid on occasion in addition to bleeding the system. Always test the brakes after performing maintenance on the system.

Instructions

Flush the Brake Lines

1

Remove the brake reservoir cap and siphon out any brake fluid from the reservoir using a turkey baster. Fill the reservoir with clean DOT-3 brake fluid once you have siphoned all the fluid out.

2

Raise the vehicle one wheel at a time using a jack. Place a jack stand beneath the axle and remove the jack. Remove the lug nuts for the wheel with a lug wrench and set the lug nuts and tire to the side.

3

Loosen all four bleed screws. The rear brakes are either drum or disc brakes. Drum brake bleed screws are located on the back of the drum above the axle. Rear disc brake bleed screws are located on top of the caliper. Front disc brake bleed screws are located on the caliper facing the engine.

4

Have the assistant press the brake pedal firmly to the floor and hold it there. Tighten all four bleed screws and release the pedal. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until clean fluid flows out of the bleed screws.

Bleed the Brakes

5

Bleed the passenger rear first. Bleeding the brake furthest from the brake reservoir ensures that no air remains in the system. Move to the driver rear second, passenger front third, then driver front last.

6

Place one end of a rubber tube on the bleed screw and the other end submerged in a clear plastic bottle partially filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. Make sure the reservoir is full.

7

Have the assistant press down the brake pedal and hold. Open the bleed screw and watch as the fluid and air bubbles come out of the tube. Close the bleed screw after the flow stops and release the brake. Repeat the process until no air bubbles come out of the tube for three turns.

8

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the remaining wheels in the order outlined in Step 1.

9

Replace each tire and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle one wheel at a time by raising the wheel slightly with the jack, removing the jack stand and lowering the wheel to the ground. Tighten all the lug nuts to factory torque specifications with the lug wrench once all wheels are on the ground. Refill the brake reservoir to the full line and replace the cap.

Related Posts by Categories