Priming Brake System

When the master cylinder has been overhauled, a new master cylinder has been installed or the brake system emptied or partially emptied, fluid may not flow from the bleeder screws during normal bleeding. It may be necessary to prime the system using the following procedure.

1. Use a tubing wrench to remove the brake lines from the master cylinder.
2. Install short brake lines in the brake master cylinder and position them so that they point back into the reservoir and the ends of the pipes are submerged in brake fluid.
3. Fill the reservoir with new DOT-3 Brake Fluid.
4. Cover the reservoir with a clean shop towel.

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

5. Pump the brakes until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out of both brake tubes.
6. Remove the short brake tubes and reinstall the brake tubes from the vehicle.
7. Bleed each brake line at the brake master cylinder using the following procedure:

a. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 10 times and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
b. Loosen the front brake line filling with a tubing wrench until a stream of brake fluid comes out. Have an assistant maintain pressure on the brake pedal until the brake line fitting is tightened again.
c. Repeat this operation until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out from around the tubing fitting.
d. Repeat this bleeding operation at the rear brake line fitting.

8. If any of the brake lines or calipers have been removed, it may be helpful to prime the system by gravity bleeding it. This should be done after the brake master cylinder is primed and bled. To prime the brake system:

a. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with new DOT-3 Brake Fluid
b. Loosen both rear caliper bleeder screws and leave them open until clear brake fluid flows out.

NOTICE: Be sure to check the reservoir fluid level often and not let it run dry.

c. Tighten the bleeder screws.
d. One at a time, loosen the front caliper bleeder screws. Leave the bleeder screws open until clear fluid flows out. Be sure to check the reservoir level often and not let it run dry.
e. Tighten the bleeder screws to 7-9 Nm (61-87 lb in).