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For 1990-2009 cars only

Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding Manual Bleed

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: Use only DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. Do not use any fluid from a container which is wet with water. Do not use DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. Improper brake fluid, mineral oil or water in the fluid may cause the brake fluid to boil or the rubber components to deteriorate. Keep all fluid containers capped to prevent contamination.

Notice: Avoid spilling brake fluid on any of the vehicle's painted surfaces, wiring, cables, or electric connectors. Brake fluid will damage the paint and the electrical connections. If any fluid is spilled on the vehicle, flush the area to lessen the 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.

Notice: Use only DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. Do not use any fluid from a container which is wet with water. Do not use DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. Improper brake fluid, mineral oil or water in the fluid may cause the brake fluid to boil or the rubber components to deteriorate. Keep all fluid containers capped to prevent contamination.

The time to bleed the hydraulic system can be reduced if the master cylinder reservoir is filled with brake fluid and as much air is expelled before the master cylinder is installed on the vehicle. Pumping the piston can evacuate the air from the piston cavities.

Power brakes require the vacuum reserve be depleted by applying the brakes several times with the engine off. Care must be taken to prevent brake fluid from contacting any painted surface.


    Object Number: 171922  Size: SH
  1. Fill the master cylinder reservoir with brake fluid and keep the reservoir at least half full of fluid during the bleeding operation.
  2. If the master cylinder is known or suspected to have air in the bore, them it must be bled in the following manner, before bleeding any caliper:
  3. 2.1. Disconnect the forward (blind end) brake pipe connection at the master cylinder.
    2.2. Allow the brake fluid to fill the master cylinder piston bore until it begins to flow from the forward pipe connection port.
    2.3. Connect the forward brake pipe to the master cylinder and finger tighten.
    2.4. Depress and hold the brake pedal slowly one time.
    2.5. Loosen the forward brake pipe connection at the master cylinder to purge air from the bore.
    2.6. Tighten the connection and then release the brake pedal slowly.

    Tighten
    Tighten the brake pipe tube nut to 16 N·m12 lb ft).

    2.7. Wait 15 seconds. Repeat the sequence, including the 15 second wait, until all air is removed from the bore.
    2.8. When the fluid flows from the forward connection, repeat steps 1 and 2 to bleed the master cylinder at the rear (cowl) connection.

    Object Number: 63934  Size: SH
  4. Individual brake calipers are bled only after all air is removed from the master cylinder. If it is known that the brake calipers do not contain any air, then it will not be necessary to bleed them.
  5. 3.1. Place a proper size box wrench, or equivalent, over the brake caliper bleed screw.
    3.2. Attach a clear tube over the bleed screw.
    3.3. Submerge the other end of the tube in a clear container partially filled with brake fluid.
    3.4. Depress and hold the brake pedal slowly one time.
    3.5. Loosen the brake caliper bleed screw to purge the air from the cylinder.
    3.6. Tighten the brake caliper bleed screw and slowly release the brake pedal. Wait 15 seconds.

    Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper bleed screw to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

    3.7. Repeat the sequence (including the 15 second wait), until all of the air is removed. It may be necessary to repeat the sequence ten or more times to remove all of the air.
    3.8. If it is necessary to bleed all of the brake calipers, the following sequence should be used:
             3.8.1. Right rear
             3.8.2. Left rear
             3.8.3. Right front
             3.8.4. Left front
    3.9. Test drive the vehicle. Check the brake pedal for sponginess.
    3.10. Ensure that the vehicle exceeds 5 km/h (3 mph) for ABS modulator actuation (self-test). If after ABS modulation the brake pedal is spongy or soft, then re-bleed the system until the pedal is firm.

Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding Pressure Bleed

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: Use only DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. Do not use any fluid from a container which is wet with water. Do not use DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. Improper brake fluid, mineral oil or water in the fluid may cause the brake fluid to boil or the rubber components to deteriorate. Keep all fluid containers capped to prevent contamination.

Notice: Avoid spilling brake fluid on any of the vehicle's painted surfaces, wiring, cables, or electric connectors. Brake fluid will damage the paint and the electrical connections. If any fluid is spilled on the vehicle, flush the area to lessen the damage.

Notice: Prior to bleeding the brakes, the front and rear displacement cylinder pistons, on the ABS hydraulic modulator, must be returned to the topmost position. The TCS hydraulic modulator must be rehomed a minimum of 4 full times. This method uses a Tech 1 to perform the rehoming procedure. You will not be able to bleed this system without the Tech 1.

Notice: Use only DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. Do not use any fluid from a container which is wet with water. Do not use DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. Improper brake fluid, mineral oil or water in the fluid may cause the brake fluid to boil or the rubber components to deteriorate. Keep all fluid containers capped to prevent contamination.

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.

Tools Required

J 35589 Pressure Bleeding Adapter


    Object Number: 171934  Size: SH
  1. Clean the fluid reservoir cover and the surrounding area.
  2. Remove the fluid reservoir cover.
  3. Install the J 35589 to the brake fluid reservoir.
  4. Install the J 35589 to the pressure bleeding equipment.
  5. Charge the bleeder to 140-172 kPa (20-25 psi).
  6. Connect the hose to J 35589 .
  7. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  8. If it is necessary to bleed all of the brake calipers, the following sequence should be used:
  9. 8.1. Right rear
    8.2. Left rear
    8.3. Right front
    8.4. Left front
  10. Place the proper size box end wrench, or equivalent, over the brake caliper bleed screw. Attach a clear tube over the screws and allow the tube to hang submerged in a clear partially filled with brake fluid.
  11. Open the brake caliper bleed screw at least half a turn and allow the brake fluid flow to continue until no air is seen in the brake fluid. Apply intermittent pressure to the brake pedal while bleeding.
  12. Close the brake caliper bleed screw.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper bleed screw to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

  14. Repeat steps 6 through 8 until all of the calipers have been bled.
  15. Lower the vehicle.
  16. Test drive the vehicle, checking for brake pedal for sponginess or softness. Ensure that the vehicle exceeds 5 km/h (3 mph) for ABS modulator actuation (self-test) which will purge any air from the secondary circuit of the modulator. If after ABS modulator actuation the pedal is still soft or spongy, then re--bleed the entire system.
  17. Remove the brake bleeding equipment from the master cylinder.