Hydraulic System: Service and Repair

CAUTION: Use only genuine Volvo brake fluid with the designation OT 4+. Never re-use drained fluid. Always store fluid in the original container, tightly sealed.

1. Switch off ignition. Jack up and support car. Clean brake fluid reservoir and cap before removing cap.
2. Connect bleeding unit to brake fluid reservoir. Follow supplier's instructions regarding connection and operation of unit.
3. Operate brake pedal Operate pedal several times to expel any air bubbles in master cylinder.

NOTE: This should be carried out between each bleeding operation on the particular caliper.

4. Bleed calibers in following order: Bleed one rear wheel, second rear wheel and front wheels in that order.

NOTE: Upper bleeding nipple must be used with multilink rear axles.

5. Bleeding of rear brake calipers. Open nipple and close when air bubbles are no longer visible in escaping fluid. Tighten nipple to 4.5 Nm (3.3 ft. lbs.). Refit dust cap on bleeding nipple. Bleed other caliper as described above.
6. Bleeding of front brake calibers. Remove dust cap(s) from bleeding nipple(s). Connect fluid collector tube to nipple. Open nipple and close when air bubbles are no longer present in escaping fluid. Tighten nipple to 10 Nm (7.5 ft. lbs.). Refit dust cap(s) on bleeding nipple(s). Bleed other caliper as described above.
7. Depressurize system. Check system. Check for air in system by operating brake pedal at force equivalent to hard braking. Pedal travel must not exceed 55 mm (2.2 in) when engine is switched off and brake pedal is operated at least 3-4 times prior to measurement. If pedal travel exceeds 55 mm (2.2 in), bleed system again and recheck travel.
8. Disconnect bleeding unit from brake fluid reservoir. Check level in reservoir. Check that vent hole in reservoir cap is free of dirt. Fit cap. Wash off fluid spillage, if any, with lukewarm water and car shampoo. Lower car.