Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
Brake System BleedingNOTE:
^ Do not reuse the drained fluid. Use only clean Honda DOT 3 Brake Fluid from an unopened container. Using a non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and shorten the life of the system.
^ Do not mix different brands of brake fluid; they may not be compatible.
^ Make sure no dirt or other foreign matter is allowed to contaminate the brake fluid.
^ Do not spill brake fluid on the vehicle, it may damage the paint; if brake fluid does contact the paint, wash it off immediately with water.
^ When you turn ignition switch ON (II), the power unit may operate (you can hear the motor sound).
Brake Fluid Level Inspection
1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
2. Press the brake pedal several times.
3. Turn the ignition switch OFF, then turn it ON (II) again.
4. Wait several seconds for the brake fluid in the reservoir union (A) to stabilize.
NOTE: Do not operate the brake pedal while in this procedure.
5. Check that the brake fluid level in the reservoir is at the MAX (upper) level line (B).
Fluid Removal
1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Press the brake pedal 20 times to release the pressure in the accumulator.
3. Attach a length of drain tube (A) to the bleed screw (B) on the caliper or wheel cylinder.
NOTE: The illustration shows the front brake.
4. Loosen the bleed screw, and pump the brake pedal until brake fluid stops coming out.
5. Remove the air cleaner.
6. Remove the IMA system power cable clamp (A).
7. Disconnect the auxiliary electric water pump connector (A).
8. Attach a length of clear drain tube (A) to the bleed screw (B) under the servo unit (C), and loosen the bleed screw.
NOTE: Turn the bleed screw about 180°.
9. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
NOTE: Do not operate the pump motor for more than 110 seconds or it may be damaged.
10. When the brake fluid is drained out, tighten the bleed screw, then turn the ignition switch OFF.
NOTE: After draining the brake fluid from the servo unit and the power unit, the sound of the power unit function changes.
Bleeding - Normal Brake (Except Servo Unit and Power Unit)
NOTE:
^ The brake fluid reservoir tank must be at least 1/2 full at the start of the bleeding procedure and checked after bleeding each brake caliper or wheel cylinder. Add fluid as required.
^ Turn the ignition switch OFF while doing this procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Press the brake pedal several times until it becomes a hard brake pedal to release the pressure in the accumulator.
3. Make sure the brake fluid level in the reservoir tank (A) is at the middle of the tank line (B).
4. Have someone slowly pump the brake pedal several times, then apply steady pressure.
5. Start the bleeding at the driver's side of the front brake system.
NOTE: Bleed the calipers or the wheel cylinders in the sequence shown.
6. Attach a length of clear drain tube (A) to the bleed screw (B), then loosen the bleed screw to allow air to escape from the system. Then tighten the bleed screw securely.
7. Repeat the procedure for each brake circuit until no air bubbles are in the fluid.
8. Refill the master cylinder reservoir tank to the middle of the tank line.
9. Inspect the brake fluid level.
Bleeding - Servo Unit and Power Unit
1. Remove the air cleaner.
2. Do the normal brake system bleeding (except the servo unit and power unit).
3. Remove the IMA system power cable clamp (A).
4. Disconnect the auxiliary electric water pump connector (A).
5. Add the brake fluid to the reservoir tank (A) and keep the level at the middle line (B).
6. Attach a length of clear drain tube (A) to the bleed screw (B) under the servo unit (C), and loosen the bleed screw.
NOTE: Turn the bleed screw about 180°.
7. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and add the brake fluid to the reservoir tank.
NOTE: Do not operate the pump motor for more than 110 seconds or it may be damaged.
8. Make sure the brake fluid is discharged from the bleed screw to allow air to escape from the system, then tighten the bleed screw securely.
9. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
10. Add the brake fluid in the reservoir tank, and keep it at the middle of the tank line.
11. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
12. Wait several seconds until the AHB indicator and/or brake system indicator goes off.
13. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
14. Press the brake pedal 20 times.
15. Wait about 5 minutes.
16. Repeat step 11 to step 15 two times.
17. Make sure the bleed screw is tightened.
18. Inspect the brake fluid level.
19. Check the brake pedal stroke.
20. Install all removed parts and connect all connectors.
21. Clear the DTC with the HDS, if necessary.