Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair

Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding

Special Tools

CH-8819096 Bleeder

Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning.

Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution.

Warning
When adding fluid to the brake fluid reservoir or to the clutch fluid reservoir, use only DOT-4+ brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. This polyglycol brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture. Do not use fluid from an open container that may be contaminated with water. Improper or contaminated fluid could result in damage to the system components.

Use GM recommended brake fluid, or equivalent DOT-4+ brake fluid.

1. Place a clean shop cloth beneath the brake master cylinder to prevent brake fluid spills.
2. Open the cap on the brake fluid reservoir and top up with brake fluid.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Connect the bleeder hose to the air nipple on the front left brake caliper and open the nipple. For J64 there are two air nipples on the brake caliper. Both nipples must be opened and drained. Drain about 100 ml brake fluid using the bleeding equipment CH-8819096.

Note
Top up after each time the fluid is drained.

5. Tighten the nipple to 10 Nm (88 in ft), fit the rubber plug, move the brake bleeder to the air nipple on the rear right brake caliper and open the nipple. Drain about 50 ml brake fluid.
6. Tighten the nipple to 10 Nm (88 in ft), fit the rubber plug, move the brake bleeder to the air nipple on the front right brake caliper and open the nipple. For J64 there are two air nipples on the brake caliper. Both nipples must be opened and drained. Drain about 100 ml brake fluid.
7. Tighten the nipple to 10 Nm (88 in ft), fit the rubber plug, move the brake bleeder to the air nipple on the rear left brake caliper and open the nipple. Drain about 50 ml brake fluid.
8. Tighten the nipple to 10 Nm (88 in ft), fit the rubber plug and lower the car to the floor.
9. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with NEW brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
10. Slowly depress and release the brake pedal. Observe the feel of the brake pedal.
11. If the brake pedal feels spongy, inspect the brake system for external leaks.
12. Turn the ignition key ON, with the engine OFF. Check to see if the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated.

Note
If the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated, DO NOT allow the vehicle to be driven until it is diagnosed and repaired.

13. If the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated, refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes. Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes