Brake System Bleeding
BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDINGManual Bleeding Method
Warning
^ Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
Warning
^ Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. For additional information, consult the product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if available. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
Caution
^ Do not allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the master cylinder reservoir filled with the specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system. Damage to the brake system components may occur.
Caution
^ Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.
Note
^ When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or replacement, air can enter the system and cause spongy brake pedal action. This requires bleeding of the hydraulic system after the repair is finished or after the new component is installed. The hydraulic system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment.
1. Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
2. Remove the bleeder screw cap and place a box end wrench on the RH rear bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the RH rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
3. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal at least 3 times and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
4. Loosen the RH rear bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the RH rear bleeder screw.
^ Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
5. Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw and install the bleeder screw cap.
^ Tighten to 16 N-m (1.6 kgf-m, 12 ft-lbf).
6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for the LH rear, RH front and LH front bleeder screws in this order.
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
Pressure Bleeding Method
Warning
^ Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
Warning
^ Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. For additional information, consult the product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if available. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
Caution
^ Do not allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the master cylinder reservoir filled with the specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system. Damage to the brake system components may occur.
Caution
^ Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.
Note
^ When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or replacement, air can enter the system and cause spongy brake pedal action. This requires bleeding of the hydraulic system after the repair is finished or after the new component is installed. The hydraulic system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment.
1. Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
2. Install the bleeder adapter to the brake master cylinder reservoir and attach the bleeder tank hose to the fitting on the adapter.
Note
^ Master cylinder pressure bleeder adapter tools are available from various manufacturers of pressure bleeding equipment. Follow the instructions of the equipment manufacturer when installing the adapter.
3. Remove the bleeder screw cap and place a box end wrench on the RH rear bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the RH rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified fluid.
Note
^ Bleed the longest line first. Make sure the bleeder tank contains enough clean, specified brake fluid to complete the bleeding operation.
4. Open the valve on the bleeder tank.
5. Loosen the RH rear bleeder screw. Leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows, then tighten the RH rear bleeder screw and remove the rubber hose and install the bleeder screw cap.
^ Tighten to 16 N-m (1.6 kgf-m, 12 ft-lbf).
6. Continue bleeding the system, going in order from the LH rear bleeder screw to the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw with the LH front disc brake bleeder screw.
7. Close the bleeder tank valve. Remove the tank hose from the adapter and remove the adapter from the brake fluid reservoir.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Bleeding
Warning
^ Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.
Warning
^ Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. For additional information, consult the product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if available. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
Caution
^ Do not allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the master cylinder reservoir filled with clean, specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system. Damage to the brake system components may occur.
Caution
^ Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.
Note
^ When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or replacement, air can enter the system and cause spongy brake pedal action. This requires bleeding of the hydraulic system after the repair is finished or after the new component is installed. The hydraulic system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment.
Note
^ Bleeding the hydraulic control unit (HCU) is required only when removing or installing the HCU, master cylinder, or opening the tubes and hoses to the HCU.
1. Connect the scan tool.
Note
^ Carrying out the system bleed function drives trapped air from the HCU. Subsequent bleeding removes the air from the brake hydraulic system through the bleeder screws.
Note
^ Adequate voltage to the HCU module is required during the anti-lock control portion of the system bleed.
2. Access the SYSTEM BLEED FUNCTION and follow the directions on the scan tool.
3. Manually bleed the brake hydraulic system. See Manual Bleeding Method.
4. Repeat the procedure carrying out a total of 2 scan tool cycles and 2 manual bleed cycles.
Brake Fluid Replacement
Warning
^ Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.
Warning
^ Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. For additional information, consult the product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if available. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
Caution
^ Do not allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the master cylinder reservoir filled with clean, specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system. Damage to the brake system components may occur.
Caution
^ Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.
Caution
^ Do not allow the master cylinder brake fluid to overflow from the reservoir. Brake fluid may damage the high-voltage components.
Note
^ Bleeding the HCU is required only when removing or installing the HCU, master cylinder or opening the tubes and hoses to the HCU.
Note
^ Make sure that the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark.
1. Connect the scan tool.
Note
^ Adequate 12-volt battery voltage is required during the system bleed.
2. Access the service bleed function on the scan tool and follow the directions.