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.

Notice: On vehicles equipped with an Antilock Brake System (ABS), the hydraulic modulator must be bled prior to the brake calipers and wheel cylinders. For complete brake hydraulic system bleeding procedures for vehicles equipped with ABS, refer to Bleeding Procedure in Antilock System.

A bleeding operation is necessary any time a brake pipe or hose has been opened and air has been introduced into the system.

Important: Bleed the wheel cylinders/calipers in the following sequence:

1. Left rear
2. Right front
3. Left front

It may be necessary to bleed the hydraulic system at all four wheels if air has been introduced through a low fluid level or by disconnecting brake pipes at the master cylinder. If a brake pipe or hose is disconnected at only one wheel, then only that wheel cylinder/caliper needs to be bled. If pipes are disconnected at any fitting located between the master cylinder and the brakes, then the brake system served by the disconnected pipe must be bled.

1. Remove the vacuum system reserve by applying the brakes several times with the engine off.
2. Remove the master cylinder reservoir cap.
3. Fill the reservoir with brake fluid. Keep the reservoir at least one-half full during the bleeding operation.
4. Install the reservoir cap tightly.
5. Remove the bleeder plug cap from the wheel cylinder/caliper to be bled.



6. Attach a clear plastic or vinyl tube (1) to the bleeder plug. Submerge the other end of the tube in a clear container (2) partially filled with brake fluid.
7. Have a second technician press the brake pedal several times, and then hold it fully pressed.
8. With the brake pedal full pressed, loosen the bleeder plug about 1/2 turn. The brake pedal should now fall all the way to the floor as brake fluid flows out of the bleeder plug into the clear fluid container.
9. Tighten the bleeder plug and have the second technician slowly release the pedal.
10. Repeat steps 7 and 8 until all the air has been removed from the line, and air bubbles no longer appear in the clear fluid container.
11. Replenish the brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir to MAX and install the cap. Pump the brake pedal and check for fluid leaks.
12. Check the brake pedal feel for sponginess and the brake indicator for an indication of an unbalanced pressure. Repeat the entire bleeding procedure to correct either of these two conditions.
13. Repeat this procedure at all wheel cylinder/calipers that require bleeding.

Tools Required

Notice: Pressure bleeding equipment must be the diaphragm type and must have a rubber diaphragm between the air supply and the brake fluid. Air, moisture, oil and other contaminants can damage the hydraulic system.

1. Install a J 37762 to the master cylinder.
2. Charge the J 29532 to 140 to 172 kPa (20 to 25 psi).
3. Connect the J 29532 line to the J 37762 and open the line valve.
4. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.



5. Attach a transparent hose to the bleeder valve (1).



6. Submerge the opposite end of the hose (1) into a clean container (2) that is partially filled with brake fluid. Place a proper size box end wrench over the bleeder valve. Open the valve at least a one-half to three-quarter turn. Allow the fluid to flow until no air is seen in the fluid. Do not allow the J 29532 to run out of fluid. If the fluid should run out, air will enter the system and the entire bleeding procedure must be repeated.
7. Close the bleeder valve. Make sure the bleeder valve seals.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

8. Repeat steps 5, 6, and 7 until all of the calipers and wheel cylinders have been bled.

Tighten
Tighten the wheel cylinder/caliper bleeder valve to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Check for a firm brake pedal action. If the brake pedal appears spongy, repeat the entire procedure.
11. Remove the J 37762 and the J 29532 from the master cylinder.