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.
Caution: Use only Delco Supreme 11, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), 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 could result in damage to components, or
loss of braking, with possible injury.
Caution: Do not overfill the brake fluid reservoir. Overfilling the brake fluid
reservoir may cause the brake fluid to overflow onto the engine exhaust components
during brake system service. The brake fluid is flammable and
may cause a fire and personal injury if the brake fluid contacts the engine
exhaust system components.
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.
Notice: 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.
Notice: 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.
A bleeding operation is necessary in order to remove air
when air 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, then
bleed the brake system served by the disconnected pipe or hose.
With Scan Tool (Preferred Method)
- 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, then repair the vehicle and clear the DTCs before performing
the Motor Rehome function.
- Bleed the entire brake system using either Pressure Bleeding or
Manual Bleeding in this section.
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.
- Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
- Start the engine. Allow the engine to run for at least 10 seconds
while observing the amber ABS warning indicator.
- If the amber ABS warning indicator turns on and stays on after
about 10 seconds, stop the bleeding procedure and use a Scan Tool in
order to diagnose the ABS malfunction.
- If the amber ABS warning indicator turns on for approximately
3 seconds, then turns off and stays off, turn the ignition off.
- Repeat Steps 1 through 4 one more time.
- Bleed the entire brake system. Refer to Pressure Bleeding or Manual
Bleeding in this section.
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.
- Clean the brake fluid reservoir cover and the surrounding area.
- Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
- Inspect the brake fluid reservoir level. Refer to
Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling
.
- Connect the J 35589
to the brake fluid reservoir.
- Connect the bleeder adapter to the pressure bleeding equipment.
- 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.
- Adjust the pressure bleed equipment to 205-240 kPa
(30-35 psi).
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.
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.
Also, 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.
- 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. |
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. |
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. |
8.6. | Slowly open the bleeder valve. Allow the fluid to flow until no
air is seen in the fluid. |
8.7. | Close the valve when fluid flows without any air bubbles. |
8.8. | Repeat the previous two steps until no air bubbles are present. |
Tighten
Tighten the ABS modulator bleeder valves to 9 N·m (80 lb in).
- Bleed the brake modulator brake pipe connections with the pressure
bleeding equipment connected and pressurized:
9.1. | Slowly open the forward brake pipe tube nut on the brake modulator
and check for air in the escaping fluid. |
9.2. | When the air flow ceases, immediately tighten the tube nut. |
Tighten
Tighten the tube nut to modulator to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).
9.3. | Repeat step 9 for the remaining three brake pipe connections
moving from front to rear. |
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
.
Important: The brakes must be bled in the sequence indicated.
- Right rear
- Left front
- Left rear
- Right front
Important: Ensure that the bleeder valves do not leak.
- Perform the following steps in order to bleed the wheel brakes in the
sequence shown indicated.
11.1. | 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. |
11.2. | Slowly open the bleeder valve. Allow the fluid to flow. |
| Important: Ensure that the bleeder valves do not leak.
|
11.3. | 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
• | Tighten the front caliper bleeder valves to 13 N·m
(115 lb in). |
• | Tighten rear caliper bleeder valves to 7 N·m (62 lb in). |
• | Tighten the rear wheel cylinder bleeder valves to 7 N·m
(62 lb in). |
- Remove the pressure bleeding equipment, including the J 35589
.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir
to the proper level if necessary.
- Reinstall the brake fluid reservoir cap.
15.1. | Turn the ignition to the RUN position, then turn off the engine.
Apply the brake pedal with moderate force and hold. Note the pedal travel
and feel. |
15.2. | 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. |
15.3. | If the pedal feels soft or has excessive travel either initially
or after the engine starts, use the following procedure. |
15.3.1. | With the Scan Tool, release then apply each motor 2-3 times
and cycle each solenoid 5-10 times. |
15.3.2. | When finished, be sure to apply the front and rear motors in order
to ensure the pistons are in the upmost position. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. |
15.3.3. | If a Scan Tool is not available, remove your foot from the brake
pedal, start the engine and allow it to run for at least 10 seconds
to initialize the ABS. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. |
15.3.4. | After 10 seconds, turn the ignition off. |
15.3.5. | Repeat this initialization procedure 5 times in order to ensure
that any trapped air has been dislodged. Repeat this pressure bleeding procedure
starting at Step 1. |
15.4. | 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. |
Manual Bleeding
Important: In the following procedure, use a suitable container or shop cloths
in order to catch the brake fluid and prevent the fluid from contacting any
painted surfaces.
- Clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the surrounding area.
- Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
- Inspect the brake fluid level. Fill the reservoir to the correct
level if necessary.
- Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
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, it may not be completely purged of air. At this point, move
to the wheel brakes and bleed the brakes. This ensures that the lowest
points in the system are completely free of air. The ABS brake modulator/master
cylinder assembly may then be purged of any remaining air.
- Prime the ABS brake modulator/master cylinder assembly. Complete the
following steps:
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 and hold the pedal until the fluid begins
to flow. |
5.4. | Close the valve and release the brake pedal. |
5.5. | Repeat the previous three steps until air bubbles are no longer
present. |
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. |
5.7. | Slowly open the forward bleeder valve. |
5.8. | Depress the brake pedal and hold the pedal until the fluid begins
to flow. |
5.9. | Close the valve and release the brake pedal. |
5.10. | Repeat the previous three steps until air bubbles are no longer
present. |
- Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
- Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir
to the correct level, if necessary.
- Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
.
Important: The brakes must be bled in the sequence indicated.
- Right rear
- Left front
- Left rear
- Right front
Important: Ensure that the bleeder valves do not leak.
- Perform the following steps in order to bleed the wheel brakes in the
sequence shown indicated.
10.1. | Attach a clear bleeder hose to the bleeder valve at the wheel.
Submerge the opposite hose in a clean container partially filled with clean
brake fluid. |
10.2. | Open the bleeder valve. |
10.3. | Slowly depress the brake pedal. |
10.4. | Close the valve and slowly release the brake pedal. |
| Important: In order to assist in freeing the entrapped air, tap lightly on the
caliper or braking plate in order to dislodge any trapped air bubbles.
|
| Important: Ensure that the bleeder valves do not leak.
|
10.6. | Repeat this entire procedure until the brake pedal feels firm at half
travel and no air bubbles are observed in the bleeder hose. |
Tighten
• | Tighten the front caliper bleeder valves to 13 N·m
(115 lb in). |
• | Tighten the rear caliper bleeder valves to 7 N·m
(62 lb in). |
• | Tighten the rear wheel cylinder bleeder valves to 7 N·m
(62 lb in). |
- Lower the vehicle.
- Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap. Fill the reservoir to the
correct level if necessary.
- Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
- Bleed the ABS modulator/master cylinder assembly. Complete the
following steps:
14.1. | 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. |
14.2. | Depress the brake pedal with moderate force. |
14.3. | Slowly open the rearward bleeder valve and allow the fluid to
flow. |
14.4. | Close the valve and release the brake pedal. |
14.6. | Repeat the procedure until air bubbles are no longer visible in
the bleeder hose. |
14.7. | 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. |
14.8. | Depress the brake pedal with moderate force. |
14.9. | Slowly open the rearward bleeder valve and allow the fluid to
flow. |
14.10. | Close the valve and release the brake pedal. |
14.11. | Wait five seconds. |
14.12. | Repeat the procedure until air bubbles are no longer visible in
the bleeder hose. |
- Remove the brake fluid cap.
- Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill to the correct
level if necessary.
- Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
- Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position, then turn off the
engine. Apply the brake pedal with moderate force and hold. Note the pedal
travel and feel.
- 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,
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.
- If pedal feel is soft or has excessive travel either initially
or after engine start, use the following procedure:
20.1. | Using the Scan Tool, release then apply each motor 2-3 times
and cycle each solenoid 5-10 times. |
20.2. | Apply the front and rear motors in order to ensure that the pistons
are in the upmost position. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. |
20.3. | 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. |
20.4. | After 10 seconds, turn off the ignition. |
- Repeat the initialization procedure five times in order to dislodge
any air in the system.
- Repeat this manual bleeding procedure, starting at Step 1.
- Perform a vehicle road test. Make several normal (non-ABS) stops
from a moderate speed in order to ensure proper brake system function.