Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair

Brake System Bleeding

Special Tool(s):

Material:

Anti-Lock Brakes Bleed

WARNING: Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Do not allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the master cylinder reservoir filled with the specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system.

CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.

NOTE: Bleeding the hydraulic control unit (HCU) is required only when removing or installing the HCU, master cylinder or opening the lines to the HCU.

1. NOTE: Carrying out the System Bleed function drives trapped air from the HCU. Subsequent bleeding removes the air from the brake hydraulic system through the bleeder screws.

NOTE: Adequate voltage to the HCU module is required during the anti-lock control portion of the system bleed.

Connect the diagnostic tool.
2. Access the system bleed function. Go to the Tool Tab-Chassis-Braking-ABS Service Bleed and follow the directions on the diagnostic tool.
3. Manually bleed the brake hydraulic system.
4. Repeat the procedure carrying out a total of 2 diagnostic tool cycles and 2 manual bleed cycles.

Manual Bleed

WARNING: Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Do not allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the master cylinder reservoir filled with the specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system.

CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.

NOTE: When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected or a new component is installed, air may enter the system, causing spongy brake pedal action. This requires the bleeding of the hydraulic system after it has been correctly connected.

1. CAUTION: Be sure to check the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir often. Do not let it run dry.

Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with the specified brake fluid.
2. Begin bleeding the system, going in order from the RH rear wheel, to the LH rear wheel, to the RH front wheel and ending with the LH front wheel.
3. Attach a rubber drain hose to the rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
4. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 10 times and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Loosen the bleeder screw until the fluid flow stops. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal and tighten the bleeder screw.
6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows.
7. Tighten the bleeder screw to 8 Nm (71 inch lbs.).
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
8. Continue bleeding the brake hydraulic system at each wheel.
9. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with the specified brake fluid.

Gravity Bleed

WARNING: Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Do not allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the master cylinder reservoir filled with the specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system.

CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.

NOTE: When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected or a new component is installed, air may enter the system, causing spongy brake pedal action. This requires the bleeding of the hydraulic system after it has been correctly connected.

1. CAUTION: Be sure to check the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir often. Do not let it run dry.

Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with the specified brake fluid.
2. Begin bleeding the system, going in order from the RR wheel, to the LR wheel, to the RF wheel and ending with the LF wheel.
3. Attach a rubber drain hose to the rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
4. Loosen the bleeder screw and leave it open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows.
5. Tighten the bleeder screw to 8 Nm (71 inch lbs.).
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
6. Continue bleeding the brake hydraulic system at each wheel.
7. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with the specified brake fluid.