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Audi A3: How to Replace Brake Fluid

Replacing the brake fluid in your Audi A3 ensures optimal braking performance. Read on to learn how to replace it yourself.

By Bassem Girgis - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A3.

Changing the brake fluid is a wise piece of maintenance for your Audi A3. The process isn't too hard, and it will ensure your brake system works at top shape. The process to do so shouldn't take too long. However, be careful when handling brake fluid, as it is corrosive to your car's paint and your skin. Be sure to wear gloves and be careful not to spill too much. If you feel up for a quick brake fluid replacement, read on to learn how.

Audi A3 How to Replace Brake Fluid

Materials Needed

  • Jack and jack stands
  • Wrench
  • Tire iron
  • Turkey baster
  • Funnel
  • Bottle
  • Clear hose
  • Brake fluid

Step 1 – Remove old fluid

Using your turkey baster, suck the old brake fluid from the master cylinder. Then pour it in a container that you can properly dump later. Leave just a little bit of fluid in the master cylinder, which prevents air from going into it.

AUDI A3 A4 BRAKE FLUID BLEED FLUSH CHANGE HOW TO
Figure 1. Use your turkey baster to suck the fluid out of the master cylinder.

Step 2 – Add new fluid

Use a funnel if you feel the need to do so, and pour new brake fluid in the master cylinder until the max line.

AUDI A3 A4 BRAKE FLUID BLEED FLUSH CHANGE HOW TO
Figure 2. Add brake fluid into the master cylinder.

Step 3 – Bleed the system

The proper order to bleed your brake system is to start from the caliper farthest from the master cylinder. So start from the passenger's rear caliper, then the the driver's rear caliper, then the passenger front and end with the driver's caliper. Locate the small bleeder screw on each caliper. You don't necessary need to raise the vehicle or remove the wheel, but that's always an option if you like to work with more space. Put the clear hose on the bleeder screw, and connect the other end to a bottle. Ask a friend to pump the brake pedal a few times. Keep the brake pedal depressed, then loosen the bleeder screw. Watch the fluid coming out, and as soon as you start seeing the clear, fresh fluid, tighten the bleeder screw first, then let go of the brake pedal. It will likely take a few cycles of pressurizing the system and opening the bleeder to expunge the old fluid. Make sure to add more fresh fluid into the master cylinder between each caliper. If you let the fluid gets too low in the master cylinder, air will enter the system and you will need to repeat the entire process.

  • AUDI A3 A4 BRAKE FLUID BLEED FLUSH CHANGE HOW TO
    Figure 3. Bleeder screw.
  • AUDI A3 A4 BRAKE FLUID BLEED FLUSH CHANGE HOW TO
    Figure 4. Bleed brakes.

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