Base Brake System

BASE BRAKE BLEEDING

NOTE: This bleeding procedure is only for the vehicle's base brakes hydraulic system. For bleeding the antilock brakes hydraulic system, Brake Bleeding

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

NOTE: The following wheel sequence should be used when bleeding the brake hydraulic system. The use of this wheel sequence will ensure adequate removal of all trapped air from the brake hydraulic system.

- Left Rear Wheel
- Right Front Wheel
- Right Rear Wheel
- Left Front Wheel

NOTE: When bleeding the brake system, some air may be trapped in the brake lines 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 brakes may be manually bled or pressure bled. Refer to the appropriate following procedure.

MANUAL BLEEDING PROCEDURE

NOTE: To bleed the brakes manually, the aid of a helper will be required.





1. Attach a clear plastic hose (1) to the bleeder screw and feed the hose into a clear jar (2) containing enough fresh brake fluid to submerge the end of the hose.
2. Have a helper pump the brake pedal three or four times and hold it in the down position.
3. With the pedal in the down position, open the bleeder screw at least one full turn.
4. Once the brake pedal has dropped, close the bleeder screw. After the bleeder screw is closed, release the brake pedal.
5. Repeat the above steps until all trapped air is removed from that wheel circuit (usually four or five times).
6. Bleed the remaining wheel circuits in the same manner until all air is removed from the brake system. Monitor the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir to make sure it does not go dry.
7. Check and adjust brake fluid level to the FULL mark.
8. Check the brake pedal travel. If pedal travel is excessive or has not been improved, some air may still be trapped in the system. Re-bleed the brakes as necessary.
9. Test drive the vehicle to verify the brakes are operating properly and pedal feel is correct.

PRESSURE BLEEDING PROCEDURE





CAUTION: Use bleeder tank Special Tool C-3496-B or equivalent with Adapter (1), Special Tool 6921, to pressurize the hydraulic system for bleeding.

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

1. Install Master Cylinder Pressure Bleed Cap (1), Special Tool 6921, on the master cylinder fluid reservoir (3). Attach the fluid hose from the pressure bleeder (2) to the fitting on Special Tool 6921.




2. Attach a clear plastic hose (1) to the bleeder screw and feed the hose into a clear jar (2) containing enough fresh brake fluid to submerge the end of the hose.
3. Open the bleeder screw at least one full turn or more to obtain a steady stream of brake fluid.
4. After approximately 120-240 ml (4-8 ounces) of fluid have been bled through the brake circuit and an air-free flow is maintained in the clear plastic hose and jar, close the bleeder screw.
5. Repeat this procedure at all the remaining bleeder screws.
6. Check and adjust brake fluid level to the FULL mark on the reservoir.
7. Check the brake pedal travel. If pedal travel is excessive or has not been improved, some air may still be trapped in the system. Re-bleed the brakes as necessary.
8. Test drive the vehicle to verify the brakes are operating properly and pedal feel is correct.