Manual Bleeding
Manual BleedingWARNING: Use of any brake fluid other than approved DOT 3 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 brake 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: Pressure bleeding the brake system at 207 - 345 kPa (30 - 50 psi) is preferred to manual bleeding.
NOTE: When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or installation of new components, air can get into the system and cause spongy brake pedal action. This requires bleeding of the hydraulic system, including the hydraulic control unit (HCU) after it has been correctly connected.
NOTE: If the HCU or any component upstream of the HCU are installed new, carry out the brake system bleed procedure first without the diagnostic tool, followed by the brake system bleed procedure using the diagnostic tool.
1. Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid.
2. WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to Fire Suppression System.
If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system.
3. NOTE: For ABS only vehicles, open the master cylinder bleed screw until clear, bubble-free fluid flows from the tube into the cup.
NOTE: Bleed the brake system from the longest to the shortest brake line.
Place a box end wrench on the bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain tube to the bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the tube in a container partially filled with DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid.
4. Have an assistant hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Loosen the bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the bleeder screw and release the pedal pressure.
^ Release the brake pedal.
^ Repeat 3 times or until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
6. Tighten the bleeder screw to 21 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 for the remaining bleeder screws in the system.
8. WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to Fire Suppression System.
If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system.