Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Manual Bleeding

NOTE: When a new brake master cylinder has been installed or the brake system is emptied or partially emptied, fluid may not flow from the bleeder screws during normal bleeding. It may be necessary to prime the system by performing the Master Cylinder Bleeding procedure. [1][2]Master Cylinder Bleeding

SPLIT SYSTEM
The primary and secondary (diagonal split) hydraulic brake systems are individual systems and are bled separately. Bleed longest line first on individual system being serviced, then the shorter of the two.

BRAKE FLUID
During the bleeding operation, do not allow brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry. Keep master cylinder reservoir filled with DOT-3 motor vehicle brake fluid. Never reuse brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system or has been allowed to stand in open container for an extended period of time.

Manual Bleeding
1. To bleed brake system, position suitable box wrench on bleeder fitting. Attach rubber drain tube to bleeder fitting. The end of tube should fit snugly around bleeder fitting.
2. Submerge free end of the tube in container partially filled with clean brake fluid and loosen bleeder fitting approximately three-quarters of a turn.
3. Have assistant push brake pedal down slowly through its full travel. Close bleeder fitting and return the brake pedal to full release position.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until air bubbles cease to appear at submerged end of bleeder tube.
5. When fluid is completely free of air bubbles, secure bleeder fitting and remove bleeder tube.
6. Refill brake master cylinder reservoir after each component is bled and install master cylinder reservoir cap and gasket. Make sure diaphragm type gasket is properly positioned in master cylinder reservoir cap. When bleeding operation is completed, fluid level should be between MAX line and 4.0 mm (0.16 inch) below.
7. Repeat this procedure for the opposite front caliper.
8. Repeat this procedure for the opposite diagonal system.
9. After disc brake service, make sure disc brake pistons are returned to their normal positions and shoe and lining assemblies are properly seated. This is accomplished by applying brake pedal several times until normal pedal travel is established.
10. Check pedal feel. If brake pedal feels spongy repeat bleed procedure, or perform additional bleeding procedures, such as ABS Bleeding, or perform diagnosis procedure.