Base Brake System

NOTE: To bleed this vehicles antilock brakes hydraulic system, refer to Antilock Brake System Bleeding. It describes in detail the required procedure which needs to be followed when bleeding the antilock brake system.

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 Adapter, Special Tool 8224, to pressurize the brake hydraulic system for bleeding.

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







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. This will ensure all the air is bled from the brakes hydraulic system.
1. Remove rubber dust caps from all 4 bleeder screws.







2. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw at one wheel and feed the hose into a clear jar containing fresh brake fluid.

CAUTION: Just cracking the bleeder screw often restricts fluid flow, and a slow weak fluid discharge will NOT get all the air out.

3. Open bleeder screw on caliper assembly or wheel cylinder, at least one full turn or more to obtain an adequate flow of brake fluid.
4. After 4 to 8 ounces of brake fluid has been bled through an individual wheel's brake hydraulic system. And an air-free flow (no bubbles) is maintained in the clear plastic hose and jar, this will indicate a good bleed of this individual hydraulic circuit.
5. 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.
6. Replace all 4 bleeder screw rubber dust caps.

BLEEDING WITHOUT A PRESSURE BLEEDER
If a pressure bleeder is not available. A good brake fluid flow can be obtained by manual bleeding of the brake hydraulic system, following these steps.
1. Remove rubber duct caps from all 4 bleeder screws.
2. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw at one wheel and feed the hose into a clear jar containing fresh brake fluid.
3. Pump the brake pedal three or four times and hold it down before the bleeder screw is opened.
4. Then, while the pedal is being held down, open the bleeder screw at least 1 full turn. When the bleeder screw opens the brake pedal will drop all the way to the floor.
5. Release the brake pedal only after the bleeder screw is closed.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5, four or five times at each bleeder screw. This should pass a sufficient amount of fluid to expel all the trapped air from the brakes hydraulic system. Be sure to monitor brake fluid level in master cylinder fluid reservoir, to ensure it stays at a proper level. This will ensure air does not reenter brake hydraulic system through master cylinder.
7. Only after a short stroke and solid brake pedal feel is obtained, test drive vehicle to ensure brakes are operating correctly.
8. Replace all 4 bleeder screw dust caps.