Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
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 SUPREME 11 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 will result in damage to components or loss of braking, with possible personal 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.
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.
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.
1. Clean the brake fluid reservoir cover and the surrounding area.
2. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
3. Inspect the brake fluid reservoir level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling.
4. Connect the J 35589 to the brake fluid reservoir.
5. Connect the bleeder adapter to the pressure bleeding equipment.
6. 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.
7. Adjust the pressure bleed equipment to 205 - 240 kPa (30 - 35 psi).
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Important: Use a shop cloth in order to catch escaping brake fluid. 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.
8. Complete the following procedure with the pressure bleeding equipment connected and pressurized:
9. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
10. Bleed the brakes in the following sequence.
^ Right rear
^ Left front
^ Left rear
^ Right front
11. Bleed the brakes in the sequence shown above. Complete the following steps:
11.1. Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose (3) 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 in order to dislodge any trapped air bubbles.
^ Tighten the front caliper bleeder valves to 13 Nm (115 inch lbs.).
^ Tighten rear caliper bleeder valves to 7 Nm (62 inch lbs.).
12. Remove the pressure bleeding equipment, including the J35589.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the proper level if necessary.
15. 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.
15.3. 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.
1. Clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the surrounding area.
2. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
3. Inspect the brake fluid level. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
4. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
5. Raise and properly support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
6. Bleed the brakes in the following sequence.
^ Right rear
^ Left front
^ Left rear
^ Right front
7. Bleed the brakes in the sequence shown above. Complete the following steps:
7.1. Attach a clear bleeder hose (3) to the bleeder valve at the wheel. Submerge the opposite hose in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
7.2. Open the bleeder valve.
7.3. Slowly depress the brake pedal.
7.4. Close the valve and slowly release the brake pedal.
7.5. Wait five seconds.
Important: In order to assist in freeing the entrapped air, tap lightly on the caliper in order to dislodge any trapped air bubbles.
Important: Ensure that the bleeder valves do not leak.
7.6. Repeat this entire procedure until the brake pedal feels firm at half travel and no air bubbles are observed in the bleeder hose.
^ Tighten the front caliper bleeder valves to 13 Nm (115 inch lbs.).
^ Tighten the rear caliper bleeder valves to 7 Nm (62 inch lbs.).
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Remove the brake fluid reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
10. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
11. 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.
12. 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, skip the next step.
13. If pedal feel is soft or has excessive travel either initially or after engine start, repeat manual bleed procedure.
14. Perform a vehicle road test. Make several normal (non-ABS) stops from a moderate speed in order to ensure proper brake system function.