Infiniti Q45 / Nissan Cima FGY33 (FY33, Y33)

Changing the brake fluid

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OBJECTIVE:
If the brake fluid on your Y33's brake fluid reservoir tank has a dark color and/or the brake feels mushy when you stomp on the brake pedal, then new brake fluid is needed.
 
TOOLS AND PARTS:
  • 1 quart of DOT3 brake fluid (I used Valvoline Synthetic brake fluild available at Autozone. It is compatible with DOT3 and DOT4 and exceeds their specifications.)
  • 1-1/2 to 2 ft long rubber hose and oil container to drain the brake fluid
  • 10mm wrech (use the box-end kind if you don't want to damage the nuts)
  • Tools to open the wheels if desired. I didn't need to remove the front wheels, just turn them all the way to left or right. If you don't mind to slide under rear bumper then you'll probably don't need to move the rear wheels also.

TIME:

Approximately 1 hour with the help of 1 assistant to pump the brake pedal.

PROCEDURE:

  • Turn the ignition OFF or remove the battery cable before start doing anything.
  • The order of work is Right Rear  --->  Left Rear  --->  Right Front  --->  Left Front.
  • Start bleeding the Right Rear caliper first. Attach the hose like in the picture.

brake.jpg

  • Have the assistant push the brake pedal all the way. Open the air bleeder valve with the 10mm wrench. Let the fluid drains for 1-2 seconds then close the valve. Now the assistant can release the brake pedal and push it back in again. Open the valve to drain the fluild then close it.
  • It is very important to keep on refill the reservoir with new brake fluid so the level stay between the MIN and MAX level.Continue the process until you see new (clear) brake fluild comes out of the air bleeder valve.
  • The first time usually takes about 10 minutes before you see the new fluild comes out. The later 3 calipers will take way less time than that. Follow the order of work until you finish the last caliper (Left Front).
  • IMPORTANT: Remeber to clean all of the surfaces (especially painted surfaces) that came into contact with brake fluid immediately. DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids EAT paint. The paint will peel-off like rice paper if the fluid stays there for a long time.

RESULT:
There's only one word to describe: WOW!
What a difference! The brake doesn't feel mushy like it used to be. It feels firm. I'm very confident everytime I stomp on the brake pedal now.