How to Replace Brake Fluid on an Acura TL

by John Walker

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The Acura TL has power brakes that use a power booster fueled by a vacuum to increase the stopping power of the vehicle. The whole hydraulic system wears with age, leaving the fluid contaminated and in need of replacement. Flushing the system is the same for almost every vehicle.

Step 1

Remove the brake reservoir cap. Siphon out any fluid using a turkey baster. Refill it with clean DOT-3 brake fluid. Monitor the reservoir while flushing the clean fluid through the system so that the reservoir does not drop beneath half-full.

Step 2

Loosen all four bleed screws on the wheels until fluid is flowing out. Press the brake pedal firmly to the floor and tighten all four bleed screws. Release the pedal. Check the reservoir and fill it as needed. Repeat the process until clean fluid is pumping out of the bleed screws.

Step 3

Press the brake pedal firmly to the floor. Tighten all four bleed screws and release the pedal. Check the reservoir and fill it as needed. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until clean fluid is pumping out of the bleed screws.

Step 4

Bleed the passenger rear brake first, the driver rear brake second, the passenger front brake third and the driver front brake last. Prepare the bleed screws by placing one end of a rubber tube on the bleed screw and the other end in a clear plastic bottle partially filled with brake fluid. Check the reservoir to ensure it is full. Fill it as needed.

Step 5

Press the brake pedal firmly to the floor and hold it there. Loosen the bleed screw. Monitor the fluid coming out of the rubber tubing and watch for air bubbles. Tighten the bleed screw when the flow stops. Release the pedal. Repeat the process until you see no air bubbles coming out of the tube for three turns.