Manual Bleeding

Note: Use only DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. Do not use fluid from an open container that may be contaminated with water. Do not use DOT 5 brake fluid.

Important: In the following steps, use a suitable container and/or shop cloths to catch fluid and prevent it from contacting any painted surfaces.

1. Clean fluid reservoir cover and surrounding area.
2. Remove fluid reservoir cover.
3. Inspect fluid level in reservoir and fill to the correct level if necessary.
4. Install fluid reservoir cover.






5. Prime hydraulic modulator as follows:
A. Attach a clear bleeder hose to the rearward bleeder valve and submerge opposite hose end in clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
B. Slowly open rearward bleeder valve 1/2 to 3/4 turns.
C. Depress brake pedal and hold until fluid begins to flow.
D. Close valve and release brake pedal.
E. Repeat Step 5B through 5D until no air bubbles are present.
F. Relocate the bleeder hose to the forward hydraulic modulator bleeder valve and repeat Steps 5A through 5E.

Important: Once fluid is seen to flow from both modulator bleeder valves, the hydraulic modulator/master cylinder assembly is sufficiently full of fluid. However, it may not be completely purged of air. At this point move to the wheel brakes and bleed them. This ensures that the lowest points in the system are completely free of air and then the hydraulic modulator/master cylinder assembly can be purged of any remaining air.

6. Remove fluid reservoir cover.
7. Inspect fluid level in reservoir and fill to the correct level if necessary.
8. Install fluid reservoir cover.
9. Raise vehicle and suitably support.

Important: Bleed sequence:

Right rear.
Left rear.
Right front.
Left front.

10. Proceed as follows to bleed wheel brakes in sequence shown above.
A. Attach a clear bleeder hose to the bleeder valve at each wheel and submerge opposite hose and in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
B. Open bleeder valve.
C. Slowly depress brake pedal.
D. Close valve and slowly release brake pedal.
E. Wait 5 seconds.
F. Repeat Steps 10B through 1OE until the brake pedal feels firm at half travel and no air bubbles are observed in the bleeder hose.

Note: To assist in freeing entrapped air, tap lightly on caliper with a rubber mallet.

11. Repeat Step 10 on left rear wheel brake.
12. Repeat Step 10 on right front wheel brake
13. Repeat Step 10 on left front wheel brake.
14. Lower vehicle.
15. Remove fluid reservoir cover.
16. Inspect fluid level in reservoir and fill to the correct level if necessary.
17. Install fluid reservoir cover.
18. Bleed the hydraulic modulator.
A. Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the rearward bleeder valve on the hydraulic modulator. Submerge opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
B. Depress brake pedal with moderate force.
C. Slowly open rearward bleeder valve 1/2 to 3/4 turns and allow fluid to flow.
D. Close valve and slowly release brake pedal.
E. Wait 5 seconds.
F. Repeat Steps 18B through 18E until no air bubbles are observed in the bleeder hose.
G. Relocate the bleeder hose on the forward hydraulic modulator bleeder valve and repeat Steps 18A through 18F.
H. Tighten hydraulic modulator bleeder valves to 9 Nm (80 lb.in.).
19. Remove fluid reservoir cover.
20. Inspect fluid level in reservoir and fill to the correct level if necessary.
21. Install fluid reservoir cover.
22. With ignition "ON" apply brake pedal with moderate force and hold. Note pedal travel and feel. If pedal feels firm and constant and pedal travel is not excessive, start the engine. With the engine running, recheck the pedal travel. If it's still firm and constant and pedal travel is not excessive, go to Step 23. If pedal feels soft or has excessive travel either initially or after engine start, perform the following: With a Tech 1, "Release" then "Apply" each motor 2 to 3 times and cycle each solenoid 5 to 10 times. When finished, be sure to "Apply" the front and rear motors to ensure the pistons are in the upmost position. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. If a Tech 1 is not available, remove foot from brake pedal, start the engine and allow it to run for at least 10 seconds to initialize the ABS. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. After 10 seconds, turn the ignition "OFF." This initialization procedure MUST be repeated 5 times to ensure any trapped air has been dislodged. Now repeat bleeding procedure starting at Step 1.
23. Road test the vehicle. Make several normal (non ABS) stops from a moderate speed to ensure proper brake system function. Allow adequate cooling time between stops.