Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair

NOTE: Bleeding the braking system with ABS takes longer than bleeding a conventional braking system.

Bleeding guidelines
When overhauling or replacing the brake caliper, mechanical bleeding in the usual way will normally be enough; but the brake pedal must be kept held down during the procedure, so braking system is not drained of brake fluid. If the braking system has been completely or partly drained, use the bleeding unit.

For other bleeding and when replacing brake fluid, use equipment which pressurizes braking system to 2-3 bar (34-43 psi).

Brake fluid
Use only genuine Volvo brake fluid marked DOT 4+. Never reuse brake fluid. Always keep brake fluid in original pack and well sealed.

Preparations [LK1]





- Check that ignition is switched off.
- Jack car up.
- Clean brake fluid reservoir filler cap and area around it.
- Remove filler cap.

Bleeding [LK2]





- Connect bleed unit to brake fluid reservoir. Follow manufacturers' instructions for connecting and using bleeding unit.

[LK3]
- Depress brake pedal a few times to remove any air bubbles in the master cylinder.

NOTE: This step must be carried out between bleeding each brake caliper concerned.

[LK4]

NOTE: Start bleeding at one of the rear wheels.





- Remove protective cap from bleed nipple and connect hose from collecting bottle.

[LK5]
- Open bleed nipple and close it again when no further air bubbles are visible in the emerging fluid.
- Tighten bleed nipple.
- Remove hose from bleed nipple and install protective cap again.

[LK6]





- Continue bleed as per LK3-LK6 in the following order:
- the other rear wheel
- RH front wheel
- LH front wheel.

Checking [LK7]
- Remove bleed unit connector from brake fluid reservoir.





- Check if there is any air left in the system by depressing brake pedal as if braking sharply.
- With engine off and brake pedal depressed 3-4 times, pedal travel should not exceed 40 mm (1.57").

[LK8]
- If pedal travel exceeds 40 mm (1.57"), bleed again and check pedal travel once more.
- Check that fluid level is not over MAX mark.
- Let car down.