Base Brake System Bleeding

CAUTION: Before removing the master cylinder cover, wipe it clean to prevent dirt and other foreign matter from dropping into the master cylinder.

PRESSURE BLEEDING

CAUTION: Use bleeder tank Special Tool C-3496-B or equivalent with required adapter for the master cylinder reservoir to pressurize the hydraulic system for bleeding.

NOTE: Follow pressure bleeder manufacturer's instructions for use of pressure bleeding equipment.

Trapped Air In Brake Line:

When bleeding the brake system, some air may be trapped in the brake lines or valves far upstream, as much as ten feet from the bleeder screw. Therefore, it is essential to have a fast flow of a large volume of brake fluid when bleeding the brakes to ensure all the air gets out.

The following wheel sequence for bleeding the brake hydraulic system should be used to ensure adequate removal of all trapped air from the hydraulic system.
- Left rear wheel
- Right front wheel
- Right rear wheel
- Left front wheel

Proper Method For Purging Air From Brake System (Typical):

1. Attach a clear plastic hose to the bleeder screw starting at the right rear wheel and feed the hose into a clear jar containing enough fresh brake fluid to submerge the end of the hose.

Open Bleeder Screw At Least One Full Turn:

2. Open the bleeder screw at least one full turn or more to obtain an steady stream of brake fluid.
3. After 4 to 8 ounces of fluid has been bled through the brake and an air-free flow is maintained in the clear plastic hose and jar, close the bleeder screw.
4. Repeat the procedure at all the other remaining bleeder screws. Then check the pedal for travel. If pedal travel is excessive or has not been improved, enough fluid has not passed through the system to expel all the trapped air. Be sure to monitor the fluid level in the pressure bleeder. It must stay at the proper level so air will not be allowed to reenter the brake system through the master cylinder reservoir.

BLEEDING WITHOUT A PRESSURE BLEEDER

NOTE: Correct bleeding of the brakes hydraulic system without the use of pressure bleeding equipment will require the aid of a helper.

The following wheel sequence for bleeding the brake hydraulic system should be used to ensure adequate removal of all trapped air from the hydraulic system.
- Left rear wheel
- Right front wheel
- Right rear wheel
- Left front wheel
1. Attach a clear plastic hose to the bleeder screw starting at the right rear wheel and feed the hose into a clear jar containing enough fresh brake fluid to submerge the end of the hose.
2. Pump the brake pedal three or four times and hold it down before the bleeder screw is opened.
3. Open the bleeder screw at least 1 full turn. When the bleeder screw opens the brake pedal will drop.
4. Close the bleeder screw. Release the brake pedal only after the bleeder screw is closed.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 3, four or five times at each bleeder screw. Then check the pedal for travel. If pedal travel is excessive or has not been improved, enough fluid has not passed through the system to expel all the trapped air. Be sure to monitor the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. It must stay at the proper level so air will not be allowed to re-enter the brake system.
6. Test drive vehicle to be sure brakes are operating correctly and that pedal is solid.