System Bleed
WARNING:^ Brake fluid may irritate eyes and skin. In case of contact, take the following actions:
^ Eye contact - rinse thoroughly with water.
^ Skin contact - wash with soap and water. If ingested consult a physician immediately.
CAUTION: 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, flush the area with water to lessen the damage.
NOTE: 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.
BLEEDING PROCEDURE
1. Perform "Motor Re-home Procedure.
NOTE:
^ In the following steps, use a suitable container and/or shop cloths to catch escaping brake fluid. Take care to prevent fluid from running down on the motor pack and entering the motor pack base or into the electrical connector. Also, do not allow brake fluid to contact any painted surfaces as surface damage will occur. If brake fluid does contact any surface, flush surface with water to lessen damage.
^ Clean master cylinder reservoir and surrounding area.
^ Inspect Brake fluid level in reservoir and fill clean hydraulic brake fluid DOT 3 to the correct level if necessary. Make sure to replace the master cylinder reservoir cap.
2. Prime hydraulic unit as follows:
A. Attach a clear plastic bleed hose to the rearward bleeder valve on the hydraulic modulator. Submerge the other end of the bleeder hose in a clean container partially filled with brake fluid.
B. Slowly open the rearward bleeder valve 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
C. Have an assistant depress the brake pedal and hold until fluid begins to flow.
D. Close the bleeder valve and release the brake pedal. Repeat steps B through D until no air bubbles are present.
E. Relocate the bleeder hose on the forward hydraulic modulator bleeder valve and repeat steps B through D.
Specs:
Torque Hydraulic Unit Bleeder Valve to 9 Nm (78 lb.in.)
NOTE:
^ Once fluid is seen to flow from both hydraulic modulator bleeder valves, the hydraulic modulator is sufficiently full of brake fluid. However, it may not be completely purged of air. At this point, move to the wheel cylinders/calipers and bleed them. This ensures that the lowest points in the system are completely free of air and then the hydraulic modulator can be purged of any remaining air.
^ Inspect brake fluid level in reservoir and fill to the correct level if necessary. Make sure to replace the master cylinder reservoir cap.
3. Raise and suitably support vehicle.
Bleeding Sequence:
NOTE: Bleed calipers in the following sequence:
- Left rear
- Right rear
- Left front
- Right front
Connecting Vinyl Pipe To Bleeder Screw:
4. Bleed calipers:
A. Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the bleeder valve on the caliper. Submerge the other end of the bleeder hose in a clean container partially filled with brake fluid.
B. Open the bleeder valve.
C. Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal.
D. Close the bleeder valve and release the brake pedal.
E. Wait five seconds.
F. Repeat steps B through E (including the five second waiting period) until the brake pedal feels firm and no air bubbles are observed in the bleeder hose. Repeat steps A through F for the remaining wheel cylinder and calipers.
Specs:
Torque Bleeder Valve Front and Rear Caliper 7.5 Nm (65 lb.in.)
5. Lower vehicle.
NOTE: Brake fluid level in reservoir and fill to the correct level if necessary. Make sure to replace the master cylinder reservoir cap.
Hydraulic Modulator Bleeder Valves:
6. Bleed hydraulic modulator:
A. Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the rearward bleeder valve on the hydraulic modulator. Submerge the other end of the bleeder hose in a clean container partially filled with brake fluid.
B. Have an assistant depress the brake pedal with moderate force.
C. Slowly open the rearward bleeder valve 1/2 to 3/4 turn and allow fluid to flow.
D. Close bleeder valve and release brake pedal.
E. Wait five seconds.
F. Repeat steps B through E (including the five second waiting period) until all the air is purged from the system.
G. Relocate the bleeder hose on the forward hydraulic modulator bleeder valve and repeat steps B through F.
Specs:
Torque Bleeder valve to 9 Nm (78 lb.in.)
NOTE: Brake fluid level in reservoir and fill to the correct level if necessary. Make sure to replace the master cylinder reservoir cap.
7. With the ignition switch in "ON", depress the brake pedal with moderate force and hold in position. Note pedal travel and feel.
- If pedal feels firm and constant and pedal travel is not excessive, start the engine. With the engine running, re-check the pedal travel. If it is still firm and constant and pedal travel is not excessive, proceed with step 8.
- If pedal feels soft or has excessive travel either initially or after engine start, using the TECH 1, "Release" then "Apply" the motors three times and cycle the solenoids 5 ~ 10 times. Be sure to "Apply" the motors to ensure that the pistons are in the home position. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. Repeat the entire bleeding procedure.
8. 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.