Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
- TOOLS REQUIRED- Scan Tool
CAUTION:
- Do not move the vehicle until a firm brake pedal is obtained. Air in the brake system can cause the loss of brakes with possible personal injury.
- Use only SUPREME 11 or equivalent DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. Do not use fluid from an open container that may be contaminated with water. Improper or contaminated fluid will result in damage to components or loss of braking, with possible personal injury.
- Overfilling the reservoir must be avoided due to the potential for overflow onto the nearby catalytic converters in the exhaust system. Brake fluid is flammable, and contact with hot exhaust components could result in a fire and possible personal injury.
NOTICE:
- If any brake component is repaired or replaced such that air is allowed to enter the brake system, the entire bleeding procedure must be followed.
- Avoid spilling brake fluid on any of the vehicle's painted surfaces, wiring, cables or electrical connectors. Brake fluid will damage paint and electrical connections. If any fluid is spilled on the vehicle, immediately flush the area with water to minimize the potential for damage.
- Prior to bleeding the brakes, the front and rear displacement cylinder pistons must be returned to the topmost position. The preferred method uses a Scan Tool to perform the rehoming procedure. If a Scan Tool is not available, the second procedure may be used, but it is extremely important that the procedure be followed exactly as outlined.
Perform a bleeding operation in order to remove air that is introduced into the hydraulic brake system.
Bleed the hydraulic system at all four brakes if air has been introduced through a low fluid level or by disconnecting the brake pipes at the master cylinder. If a brake hose or brake pipe is disconnected at one wheel, bleed only that one wheel caliper. If brake pipes or hoses are disconnected at any fitting located between the master cylinder and the brakes, bleed the brake system served by the disconnected pipe or hose.
With Scan Tool (Preferred Method)
1. Using a scan tool, select the Motor Rehome function. The Motor Rehome function cannot be performed if current DTCs are present. If DTCs are present, repair the vehicle and clear the DTCs before performing the Motor Rehome function.
2. Bleed the entire brake system. Refer to "Pressure Bleeding" or "Manual Bleeding".
Without Scan Tool
NOTICE: This method can only be used if the amber ABS warning indicator is not illuminated and no DTCs are present.
IMPORTANT: Do not place your foot on the brake pedal through this entire procedure unless specifically directed to do so.
1. Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine. Allow the engine to run for at least 10 seconds.
3. Observe the amber ABS warning indicator. If the amber ABS warning indicator turns ON and stays ON after about 10 seconds, stop the bleeding procedure. Use a scan tool in order to diagnose the ABS malfunction.
4. If the amber ABS warning indicator turns ON for approximately 3 seconds, then turns OFF and stays OFF, turn the ignition OFF.
5. Repeat the previous four steps one more time.
6. Bleed the entire brake system.
PRESSURE BLEEDING
- Tools Required
- J 29532 Diaphragm Type Brake Bleeder
- J 35589 Compact Brake Bleeder Adapter
NOTICE: Pressure bleeding equipment must be of the diaphragm type. It must have a rubber diaphragm between the air supply and the brake fluid to prevent air, moisture, and other contaminants from entering the hydraulic system.
1. Clean the brake fluid reservoir cover and the surrounding area.
2. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
3. Inspect the brake fluid reservoir level. Refer to "Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling". Add clean brake fluid as required.
4. Connect the J 35589 to the brake fluid reservoir.
5. Connect the bleeder adapter to the pressure bleeding equipment.
6. Adjust the pressure bleed equipment to 35-70 kPa (5-10 psi). Wait approximately 30 seconds in order to ensure that there is no leakage.
7. Adjust the pressure bleed equipment to 205-240 kPa (30-35 psi).
8. Complete the following procedure with the pressure bleeding equipment connected and pressurized.
8.1. Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the rearward bleeder valve on the brake modulator.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
8.2. Slowly open the bleeder valve. Allow the fluid to flow until no air is seen in the fluid.
IMPORTANT: Use a shop cloth in order to catch escaping brake fluid. Prevent the fluid from running down the motor pack base or into the electrical connector. Do not allow brake fluid to contact any painted surfaces as surface damage will occur. If brake fluid does contact any surface, flush the surface with water in order to lessen the damage.
8.3. Close the valve when the fluid flows without any air bubbles.
8.4. Repeat the previous two steps until no air bubbles are present.
NOTICE: Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
8.5. Relocate the bleeder hose on the forward brake modulator bleeder valve.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
Repeat the previous three steps.
^ Tighten the ABS modulator bleeder valves to 9 Nm (80 inch lbs).
9. Bleed the brake modulator brake pipe connections with the pressure bleeding equipment connected and pressurized. Complete the following steps:
9.1. Slowly open the forward brake pipe tube nut on the brake modulator. Inspect for air in the escaping fluid.
9.2. When the air flow ceases, immediately tighten the tube nut.
^ Tighten the tube nut to modulator to 24 Nm (18 ft lbs).
9.3. Repeat the previous two steps for the remaining three brake pipe connections. Move from the front to the rear.
10. Proceed as follows with the pressure bleeding equipment connected and pressurized.
10.1. Remove the traction control module bolt to bracket in order to access the bleeder valves.
10.2. Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the right side bleeder valve on the traction control module.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
10.3. Slowly open the bleeder valve. Allow the fluid to flow until no air is seen in the fluid.
IMPORTANT: Use a shop cloth in order to catch escaping brake fluid. Prevent the fluid from running down the motor pack base or into the electrical connector. Do not allow brake fluid to contact any painted surfaces as surface damage will occur. If brake fluid does contact any surface, flush the surface with water to lessen the damage.
10.4. Close the valve when the fluid flows without any air bubbles.
10.5. Repeat the previous two steps until no air bubbles are present.
10.6. Relocate the bleeder hose on the left side of the traction control module bleeder valve.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
Repeat the previous three steps.
^ Tighten the traction control module bleeder valves to 9 Nm (80 inch lbs).
^ Tighten the traction control module bolt to bracket to 5 Nm (44 inch lbs).
11. Bleed the traction control module brake pipe connections. Use pressure bleeding equipment that is connected and pressurized. Complete the following steps:
11.1. Slowly open the right side brake pipe tube nut on the traction control module. Inspect for air in the escaping fluid.
11.2. When the air flow ceases, tighten the tube nut.
^ Tighten the tube nut to the modulator to 24 Nm (18 ft lbs).
11.3. Repeat the previous two steps for the remaining three brake pipe connections.
Move from the right to the left.
12. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
IMPORTANT: Bleed sequence:
1. Right rear
2. Left front
3. Left rear
4. Right front
IMPORTANT: Ensure that the bleeder valves do not leak.
13. Bleed the wheel brakes in the sequence shown above:
13.1. Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the bleeder valve at the wheel.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
13.2. Slowly open the bleeder valve. Allow the fluid to flow.
13.3. Close the valve when the fluid begins to flow without any air bubbles. Tap lightly on the caliper or backing plate in order to dislodge any trapped air bubbles.
^ Tighten the front caliper bleeder valves to 13 Nm (115 inch lbs).
^ Tighten the rear wheel cylinder bleeder valves to 7 Nm (62 inch lbs).
14. Remove the pressure bleeding equipment, including the J 35589.
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
17. Reinstall the brake fluid reservoir cap.
18. Turn the ignition to the RUN position, then turn the engine OFF. Apply the brake pedal with moderate force and hold the pedal. Note the pedal travel and feel.
19. If the pedal feels firm and constant and pedal travel is not excessive, start the engine. With the engine running, re-check the pedal travel. If the pedal travel is still firm and constant and pedal travel is not excessive, perform a road test on the vehicle.
Make several normal (non-ABS) stops from a moderate speed in order to ensure proper brake system function. Allow adequate cooling time between stops.
20. If the pedal feels soft or has excessive travel either initially or after the engine start, use the following procedure:
20.1. Using the scan tool, release, then apply each motor 2-3 times. Cycle each solenoid 5-10 times.
20.2. Apply the front and rear motors in order to ensure that the pistons are in the up-most position. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
20.3. If a scan tool is not available, remove your foot from the brake pedal, the start the engine.
Allow the engine to run for at least 10 seconds in order to initialize the ABS. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
20.4. After 10 seconds, turn the ignition OFF.
20.5. Repeat this initialization procedure 5 times in order to dislodge any trapped air in the system.
20.6. Repeat this entire pressure bleeding procedure starting at step 1.
21. Road test the vehicle. Make several normal (non-ABS) stops from a moderate speed in order to ensure proper brake system function. Allow adequate cooling time between stops.
MANUAL BLEEDING
1. Clean the brake fluid reservoir cover and the surrounding area.
2. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
3. Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
4. Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
5. Prime the ABS brake modulator/master cylinder assembly. Use the following procedure:
5.1. Attach the bleeder hose to the rearward bleeder valve.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
5.2. Slowly open the rearward bleeder valve.
5.3. Depress the brake pedal. Hold the pedal until the fluid begins to flow.
5.4. Close the valve. Release the brake pedal.
IMPORTANT: Once the fluid is visibly flowing from both modulator bleeder valves, the ABS brake modulator/master cylinder assembly is sufficiently full of fluid. However, the ABS brake modulator/master cylinder assembly may not be completely purged of air. At this point, move to the wheel brakes and bleed the brakes. Bleeding the brakes ensures that the lowest points in the system are completely free of air. Then purge the ABS brake modulator/master cylinder assembly of any remaining air.
5.5 Repeat the previous three steps until air bubbles are no longer present.
NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
5.6. Relocate the bleeder hose to the forward brake modulator bleeder valve.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
Repeat the previous four steps.
^ Tighten the ABS modulator bleeder valves to 9 Nm (80 inch lbs).
6. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
7. Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
8. Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
9. Prime the traction control module. Use the following procedure:
9.1. Remove the traction control module bolt to bracket in order to access the bleeder valves.
9.2. Attach the bleeder hose to the right side bleeder valve.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
9.3. Slowly open the bleeder valve.
9.4. Depress the brake pedal. Hold the brake pedal until fluid begins to flow.
9.5. Close the valve. Release the brake pedal.
IMPORTANT: Once the fluid is visibly flowing from both modulator bleeder valves' the ABS brake modulator/master cylinder assembly is sufficiently full of fluid. However, the ABS brake modulator/master cylinder assembly may not be completely purged of air. At this point, move to the wheel brakes and bleed the brakes. Bleeding the brakes ensures that the lowest points in the system are completely free of air. Then purge the ABS brake modulator/master cylinder assembly of any remaining air.
9.6. Repeat the previous three steps until no air bubbles are present.
9.7. Relocate the bleeder hose to the left side bleeder valve. Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid. Repeat the previous four steps.
^ Tighten the traction control module bleeder valves to 9 Nm (80 inch lbs).
^ Tighten the traction control module bolt to the bracket to 5 Nm (44 inch lbs).
10. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
11. Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
12. Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
13. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
IMPORTANT: Bleed sequence
1. Right rear
2. Left front
3. Left rear
4. Right front
IMPORTANT: Ensure that the bleeder valves do not leak.
14. Bleed the wheel brakes in the sequence shown above. Use the following procedure:
14.1. Attach a clear bleeder hose to the bleeder valve at the wheel.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
14.2. Open the bleeder valve.
14.3. Slowly depress the brake pedal.
14.4. Close the valve. Slowly release the brake pedal.
14.5. Wait 5 seconds.
14.6. Repeat the previous four steps until the brake pedal feels firm at half travel and no air bubbles are observed in the bleeder hose.
Tap lightly on the caliper or braking plate in order to dislodge any trapped air bubbles.
^ Tighten the front caliper bleeder valves to 13 Nm (115 inch lbs).
^ Tighten the rear wheel cylinder bleeder valves to 7 Nm (62 inch lbs).
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
17. Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
18. Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
19. Bleed the ABS modulator/master cylinder assembly. Use the following procedure:
19.1. Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the rearward bleeder valve on the ABS brake modulator.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
19.2. Depress the brake pedal with moderate force.
19.3. Slowly open the rearward bleeder valve. Allow the fluid to flow.
19.4. Close the valve. Release the brake pedal.
19.5. Wait 5 seconds.
19.6. Repeat the previous four steps until air bubbles are no longer visible in the bleeder hose.
19.7. Relocate the bleeder hose on the forward brake modulator bleeder valve.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
Repeat the previous five steps.
20. Bleed the traction control module. Use the following procedure:
20.1. Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the right side bleeder valve on the traction control module.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
20.2. Depress the brake pedal with moderate force.
20.3. Slowly open the rearward bleeder valve. Allow the fluid to flow.
20.4. Close the valve. Release the brake pedal.
20.5. Wait 5 seconds.
20.6. Repeat the previous four steps until air bubbles are no longer visible in the bleeder hose.
20.7. Relocate the bleeder hose on the left side bleeder valve on the traction control module.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
Repeat the previous five steps.
21. Remove the brake fluid cover.
22. Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
23. Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
24. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position, then turn the engine OFF. Apply the brake pedal with moderate force and hold the pedal. Note the pedal travel and feel.
25. If the pedal feels firm and constant and pedal travel is not excessive, start the engine. With the engine running, recheck the pedal travel. If the pedal feel is still firm and constant and pedal travel is not excessive, road test the vehicle. Make several normal (non-ABS) stops from a moderate speed in order to ensure proper brake system function.
26. If pedal feel is soft or excessive travel is evident, either initially or after engine start, use the following procedure:
26.1. Using the scan tool, release, then apply each motor 2-3 times. Cycle each solenoid 5-10 times.
26.2. Apply the front and rear motors in order to ensure that the pistons are in the up-most position. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
26.3. If a scan tool is not available, remove your foot from the brake pedal, then start the engine. Allow the engine to run for at least 10 seconds in order to initialize the ABS. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
26.4. After 10 seconds, turn the ignition OFF.
27. Repeat this initialization procedure 5 times in order to dislodge any air in the system.
28. Repeat this entire manual bleeding procedure, starting at Step 1.
29. Road test the vehicle. Make several normal (non-ABS) stops from a moderate speed in order to ensure proper brake system function.