Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

General Information

WARNING: Do not move the vehicle until a firm brake pedal is obtained. Air in the brake system can cause loss of brakes with possible personal injury.

REMOVING AIR FROM THE SYSTEM
A bleeding operation is necessary to remove air from the hydraulic brake system whenever air is introduced into the brake system. It may be necessary to bleed the hydraulic system at all four brakes if air has been introduced through a low fluid level or by disconnecting brake pipe at the master cylinder. If a brake pipe is disconnected at one wheel, only that wheel cylinder/caliper needs to be bled. If pipes are disconnected at any fitting located between master cylinder and brakes, then the brake system served by the disconnected pipe must be bled. The time required to bleed the hydraulic system can be reduced if the master cylinder reservoir is filled with brake fluid and as much air as possible is expelled before the master cylinder is installed on the vehicle.