Standard Procedure - Manual Bleeding
MANUAL BLEEDING SEQUENCEThe following wheel circuit sequence for bleeding the brake hydraulic system should be used to ensure adequate removal of all trapped air from the brake hydraulic system.
- Left rear wheel
- Right front wheel
- Right rear wheel
- Left front wheel
MANUAL BLEEDING METHOD
NOTE: To bleed the base brake system manually, an assistants help is required.
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 other end of the hose into a clear jar containing fresh brake fluid.
3. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal three or four times and hold it down before the bleeder screw is opened.
CAUTION: Open the bleeder screw at least one full turn when instructed. Some air may be trapped in the brake lines or valves far upstream, as far as ten feet or more from the bleeder screw. If the bleeder screw is not opened sufficiently, fluid flow is restricted causing a slow, weak fluid discharge. This will NOT get all the air out. Therefore, it is essential to open the bleeder screw at least one full turn to allow a fast, large volume discharge of brake fluid.
4. 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. Continue to hold the pedal all the way down.
5. Once the brake pedal has dropped, close the bleeder screw. The pedal can then be released.
6. Repeat steps 1. through 5. until all trapped air is removed from that wheel circuit (usually four or five times). 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.
NOTE: Monitor the brake fluid level in the fluid reservoir periodically to make sure it does not go too low. This will ensure that air does not reenter the brake hydraulic system.
7. Bleed the remaining wheel circuits in the same manner until all air is removed from the brake hydraulic system.
8. Check brake pedal travel. If pedal travel is excessive or has not improved, some air may still be trapped in the hydraulic system. Rebleed the brake system as necessary.
9. Reinstall all 4 bleeder screw dust caps.
10. Test drive vehicle to ensure brakes are operating properly and pedal feel is correct.