If you own a 2008 Jeep Wrangler, it’s important to be aware of the proper way to change your brake fluid. Not only is this a safety issue, but it can also help prolong the life of your brakes.
If your Jeep Wrangler is like most, the brake fluid needs to be changed every 30,000 miles or so. But if you do a lot of off-roading or heavy towing, you may need to change it more often. Here’s how to change the brake fluid on a 2008 Jeep Wrangler.
First, open the hood and locate the master cylinder. It’s usually on the driver’s side near the firewall. Once you’ve found it, remove the cap and unscrew the reservoir cover.
Next, use a turkey baster or similar tool to suction out as much of the old fluid as possible. Be sure to dispose of it properly; brake fluid is poisonous and should never be dumped down a drain. Now it’s time to add new fluid.
Pour it in slowly until the level reaches just below the “full” line on the reservoir. Replace the reservoir cover and screw it back on tightly; then replace the master cylinder cap.
Jeep Wrangler Brake Fluid Type
If you’re like most Jeep Wrangler owners, you probably don’t give much thought to what type of brake fluid is in your ride. But did you know that there are different types of brake fluid? And that the type of fluid can make a big difference in how well your brakes work?
The most common type of brake fluid is DOT 3. This fluid is compatible with most braking systems, and it’s relatively inexpensive. However, DOT 3 fluid can absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to corrosion and premature wear.
DOT 4 brake fluid is designed to resist moisture better than DOT 3, making it a good choice for areas with high humidity or frequent exposure to water (like off-roaders). DOT 4 fluid is also slightly more expensive than DOT 3. The best choice for serious off-roaders is DOT 5 brake fluid.
This syntheticfluid doesn’t absorb moisture and is compatible with all types of braking systems. However, it’s also very expensive. So unless you’re doing some hardcore wheeling, stick with DOT 3 or 4 fluids.
What Type of Brake Fluid Does a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Take?
The type of brake fluid a 2008 Jeep Wrangler takes is DOT 3.
Can You Mix Dot 3 And Dot 4?
Most people believe that you can mix DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid because they are both glycol based fluids. However, this is not the case and mixing the two types of fluid can actually be detrimental to your vehicle’s braking system. While both fluids may be compatible with each other chemically, they are not compatible with each other physically.
This means that DOT 3 brake fluid will not mix well with DOT 4 brake fluid and could potentially cause problems in your braking system. If you need to add brake fluid to your vehicle, it is best to use the same type of fluid that is already in your system.
How Do You Put Brake Fluid in a 2008 Jeep Wrangler?
Assuming you are referring to the process of bleeding the brakes: With the Jeep Wrangler, you will need to first locate the master cylinder. This is usually found near the firewall on the driver’s side.
Once you have located it, remove the cap and check to see that the fluid level is at least halfway up the “full” line. If it isn’t, add brake fluid until it reaches that point. Next, find each of the wheel cylinders and loosen the bleeder screws (you may need a helper for this).
Have your helper depress the brake pedal while you open each bleeder screw until you see fluid coming out; make sure to catch this fluid in a clean container. Close each bleeder screw when fluid starts coming out without any air bubbles. Repeat this process until all of the wheel cylinders have been bled.
Once all ofthe wheel cylinders have been bled, top offthe master cylinder with fresh brake fluid and replace its cap.
What Vehicles Use Dot 4 Brake Fluid?
DOT 4 brake fluid is a high-performance synthetic brake fluid designed for use in modern vehicles. It has a higher boiling point than DOT 3 brake fluid, making it ideal for use in high-performance applications where brakes are subject to extreme heat. DOT 4 brake fluid is also compatible with ABS systems.
How to Check Brake Fluid 06-18 Jeep Wrangler
Conclusion
If your Jeep Wrangler is still running on the original brake fluid, it’s time for a change. 2008 was the first year that Jeep used DOT 3 brake fluid in their vehicles, and over time, this fluid can degrade and cause problems with your braking system. Luckily, changing the brake fluid is a pretty easy DIY job.
Just make sure you bleed the brakes properly afterwards!