Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2004 Mazda 3 L4-2.3LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
AIR BLEEDING
Caution: Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces. Be careful not to spill any on painted surfaces. If it is spilled, wipe it off immediately.
Note:
^ Keep the fluid level in the reserve tank at 3/4 full or more during the air bleeding.
^ Begin air bleeding with the brake caliper that is furthest from the master cylinder.
Recommended fluid
SAE J1703, FMVSS 116 DOT3
1. Remove the bleeder cap on the brake caliper, and attach a vinyl tube to the bleeder screw.
2. Place the other end of the vinyl tube in a clear container and fill the container with fluid during air bleeding.
3. Working with two people, one should pump the brake pedal several times and depress and hold the pedal down.
4. While the brake pedal is depressed, the other should loosen the bleeder screw using the SST or any commercially available flare nut wrench, drain out any fluid containing air bubbles, and tighten the bleeder screw.
Tightening torque
Front: 7 - 9 Nm (72 - 91 kgf-cm, 70 - 79 inch lbs.)
Rear: 12 - 16 Nm 1123 - 163 kgf-cm, 107 - 141 inch lbs.)
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until no air bubbles are seen.
6. Perform air bleeding as described in the above procedures for all brake calipers.
7. After air bleeding, inspect the following:
^ Brake operation
^ Fluid leakage
^ Fluid level
Caution: Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces. Be careful not to spill any on painted surfaces. If it is spilled, wipe it off immediately.
Note:
^ Keep the fluid level in the reserve tank at 3/4 full or more during the air bleeding.
^ Begin air bleeding with the brake caliper that is furthest from the master cylinder.
Recommended fluid
SAE J1703, FMVSS 116 DOT3
1. Remove the bleeder cap on the brake caliper, and attach a vinyl tube to the bleeder screw.
2. Place the other end of the vinyl tube in a clear container and fill the container with fluid during air bleeding.
3. Working with two people, one should pump the brake pedal several times and depress and hold the pedal down.
4. While the brake pedal is depressed, the other should loosen the bleeder screw using the SST or any commercially available flare nut wrench, drain out any fluid containing air bubbles, and tighten the bleeder screw.
Tightening torque
Front: 7 - 9 Nm (72 - 91 kgf-cm, 70 - 79 inch lbs.)
Rear: 12 - 16 Nm 1123 - 163 kgf-cm, 107 - 141 inch lbs.)
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until no air bubbles are seen.
6. Perform air bleeding as described in the above procedures for all brake calipers.
7. After air bleeding, inspect the following:
^ Brake operation
^ Fluid leakage
^ Fluid level
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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