Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Defender Puma 2.2 TDCi › Workshop guide › Brake & clutch fluid change

Land Rover Defender Puma 2.2 TDCi: brake & clutch fluid change

Brakes · Defender (1990–2016) · 2012–2016

How often: every 2 yrs. Brake fluid absorbs water. Wet fluid boils under hard braking and rusts the cylinders from inside.

Brakes	DOT4, minimum boiling point 260 °C
Clutch hydraulics	DOT4 (separate reservoir)

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

Brake fluid (DOT4, minimum boiling point 260 °C; ≈1 L)
Clutch fluid (DOT4 (separate reservoir))

Tools

Bleed tube & bottle
Brake bleed spanner
Helper

Step by step

Bleed the brakes in the order your manual gives (ABS models have a specific order).
Keep the reservoir topped up so no air gets in.
Bleed the clutch slave cylinder.
Check the pedal is firm before driving.

More Land Rover Defender Puma 2.2 TDCi servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 12,000 mi or year
Air filter element every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Fuel filter change & bleed every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Drain water from fuel filter every 12,000 mi or year
DPF & EGR health check every 12,000 mi or year
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 12,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 4 yrs
Grease propshafts every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housings & seals every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 12,000 mi or year
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Change front & rear axle oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Steering & power steering check every 12,000 mi or year
Inspect pads, discs & brake hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Adjust transmission handbrake every 12,000 mi or year
Suspension bushes, arms & dampers every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearings & hub seals every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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