Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual Bleeding)
^ Tools Required- J 21472 Brake Bleeder Wrench
Apply the brakes several times with the ignition OFF. This will deplete the vacuum reserve. Use extreme care in order to prevent brake fluid from contacting painted surfaces.
1. Fill the master cylinder reservoir with the specified brake fluid in Maintenance and Lubrication.
Maintain the fluid level in the reservoir during the bleeding operation.
Use an assistant in the vehicle in order to press the brake pedal during the manual bleeding process.
2. If the master cylinder is known or suspected to have air in the bore, bleed the master cylinder before the wheel cylinder or the calipers are bled. Complete the following steps:
3. Disconnect the forward brake pipe connection(s) (1) at the master cylinder.
4. Fill the master cylinder with brake fluid until fluid begins to flow from the forward pipe connector port.
5. Connect the forward brake pipe to the master cylinder. Tighten the pipe.
6. Slowly depress the brake pedal and hold the pedal.
7. Loosen the forward brake pipe connection at the master cylinder in order to purge air from the cylinder.
8. Tighten the connection.
9. Slowly release the brake pedal.
10. Wait 15 seconds.
11. Repeat the previous eight steps until all air is removed from the bore.
Use extreme care in order to prevent brake fluid from contacting painted surfaces.
12. Bleed the master cylinder at the rear (cowl end) connections after all the air has been removed at the forward connections. Slowly depress the brake pedal and hold the pedal.
13. Check for a firm pedal feel and proper brake pedal travel. If the wheel cylinders and calipers do not contain air, bleeding is not necessary, but recommended in order to remove any moisture or debris.
14. After all air is removed from the master cylinder, bleed the wheel cylinders in the following order, if necessary:
14.1. Right rear
14.2. Left rear
14.3. Right front
14.4. Left front
15. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle.
16. Place a proper size box end wrench (1) (or special tool) over the caliper/cylinder bleeder valve.
17. Attach a transparent tube (2) over the bleeder screw.
Submerge the other end in a transparent container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
18. Slowly depress the brake pedal and hold the pedal.
19. Loosen the bleeder screw in order to purge the air from the cylinder/caliper.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
20. Tighten the bleeder screw.
^ Tighten the rear bleeder screws to 7 Nm (62 inch lbs.).
^ Tighten the front bleeder screws to 13 Nm (115 inch lbs.).
21. Slowly release the pedal.
22. Wait 15 seconds.
23. Repeat the previous five steps until all air is removed from the caliper. Do not pump the brake pedal rapidly. Pumping the pedal pushes the master cylinder secondary piston down the bore which causes bleeding.
24. Lower the vehicle.
25. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level.
26. Check the brake pedal for sponginess or excessive travel. Repeat the entire manual bleeding procedure in order to correct either of the two conditions.