Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual Bleeding)

NOTICE: Prior to bleeding the brakes, the front and rear displacement cylinder pistons must be returned to the topmost position. The preferred method uses a Scan Tool to perform the rehoming procedure. If a Scan Tool is not available, the second procedure may be used, but it is extremely important that the procedure be followed exactly as outlined.

IMPORTANT: Bleed the ENTIRE brake system if air has entered the hydraulic brake system through either of the following conditions:





- The master cylinder brake fluid level is at the bottom of the master cylinder reservoir.
- Any part of the hydraulic brake system is opened between the master cylinder and any of the brake caliper flexible hoses.

NOTICE: Avoid spilling brake fluid on any of the vehicle's painted surfaces, wiring, cables, or electric connectors. Brake fluid will damage the paint and the electrical connections. If any fluid is spilled on the vehicle, flush the area to lessen the damage.

IMPORTANT:
- This procedure may require the help of an assistant to apply the brake pedal while the bleeder valves are opened and closed.

- Ensure that the master cylinder brake fluid level does not drop to the bottom of the master cylinder reservoir. You will be instructed to Inspect and fill the master cylinder reservoir at times during this procedure. However, the actual frequency of master cylinder reservoir filling REQUIRED will depend on the amount of fluid that is released. If the brake fluid level drops to the bottom of the master cylinder reservoir, start the bleed procedure again at Step 1.





1. Inspect and fill the master cylinder reservoir to the proper level as necessary. Refer to "Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling" in Master Cylinder, Brakes.





2. Install a clear plastic bleeder hose to the ABS modulator REAR bleeder valve (1).
3. Submerge the opposite end of the clear plastic bleeder hose in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
4. Open the ABS modulator bleeder valve.
5. Press and hold the brake pedal approximately 75 percent of a full stroke.
6. Close the ABS modulator bleeder valve.
7. Release the brake pedal.
8. Repeat Steps 4 through 7 until brake fluid begins to flow.
9. Remove the clear plastic bleeder hose from the ABS modulator bleeder valve.
10. Install the clear plastic bleeder hose to the ABS modulator FRONT bleeder valve (2).
11. Repeat Steps 4 through 9.

The ABS modulator is now PRIMED ONLY.

12. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.





13. Install the clear plastic bleeder hose to the RIGHT REAR bleeder valve.
14. Submerge the opposite end of the clear plastic bleeder hose in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
15. Open the bleeder valve.
16. Press and hold the brake pedal approximately 75 percent of a full stroke.
17. Close the bleeder valve.
18. Release the brake pedal.
19. Repeat Steps until air bubbles are no longer detected in the brake fluid.
- Tighten the wheel cylinder bleeder valve to 11 Nm (97 inch lbs.).

20. Remove the clear plastic bleeder hose from the bleeder valve.





21. Install the clear plastic bleeder hose to the LEFT FRONT brake caliper bleeder valve.
22. Submerge the opposite end of the clear plastic bleeder hose in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
23. Open the bleeder valve.
24. Press and hold the brake pedal approximately 75 percent of a full stroke.
25. Close the bleeder valve.
26. Release the brake pedal.
27. Repeat Steps until air bubbles are no longer detected in the brake fluid.
- Tighten the brake caliper bleeder valve to 13 Nm (115 inch lbs.).

28. Remove the clear plastic bleeder hose from the bleeder valve.





29. Install the clear plastic bleeder hose to the LEFT REAR bleeder valve.
30. Submerge the opposite end of the clear plastic bleeder hose in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
31. Open the bleeder valve.
32. Press and hold the brake pedal approximately 75 percent of a full stroke.
33. Close the bleeder valve.
34. Release the brake pedal.
35. Repeat Steps until air bubbles are no longer detected in the brake fluid.
- Tighten the wheel cylinder bleeder valve to 11 Nm (97 inch lbs.).

36. Remove the clear plastic bleeder hose from the bleeder valve.





37. Install the clear plastic bleeder hose to the RIGHT FRONT brake caliper bleeder valve.
38. Submerge the opposite end of the clear plastic bleeder hose in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
39. Open the bleeder valve.
40. Press and hold the brake pedal approximately 75 percent of a full stroke.
41. Close the bleeder valve.
42. Release the brake pedal.
43. Repeat Steps until air bubbles are no longer detected in the brake fluid.
- Tighten the brake caliper bleeder valve to 13 Nm (115 inch lbs.).

44. Remove the clear plastic bleeder hose from the bleeder valve.
45. Lower the vehicle.





46. Inspect and fill the master cylinder reservoir to the proper level as necessary. Refer to "Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling" in Master Cylinder, Brakes.
47. Install the master cylinder reservoir cap.





48. Install the clear plastic bleeder hose to the ABS modulator REAR bleeder valve (1).
49. Submerge the opposite end of the clear plastic bleeder hose in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
50. Open the ABS modulator bleeder valve.
51. Press and hold the brake pedal approximately 75 percent of a full stroke.
52. Close the ABS modulator bleeder valve.
53. Release the brake pedal.
54. Repeat Steps until air bubbles are no longer detected in the brake fluid.
55. Remove the clear plastic bleeder hose from the ABS modulator bleeder valve.
- Tighten the previously bled ABS modulator bleeder valve to 9 Nm (80 inch lbs.).

56. Install the clear plastic bleeder hose to the ABS modulator FRONT bleeder valve (2).
57. Repeat Steps from rear bleeder valve.

IMPORTANT: Use a shop cloth in order to catch escaping brake fluid.





58. Open the ABS modulator brake pipe fitting (1).
59. Press and hold the brake pedal approximately 75 percent of a full stroke.
60. Close the ABS modulator brake pipe fitting.
61. Release the brake pedal.
62. Repeat Steps until air bubbles are no longer detected in the brake fluid.
- Tighten the ABS modulator brake pipe fitting to 24Nm (18 ft. lbs.).

63. Repeat Steps from brake pipe fitting (1) for the remaining ABS modulator brake pipe fittings in the order shown.





64. Inspect and fill the master cylinder reservoir to the proper level as necessary. Refer to "Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling" in Master Cylinder, Brakes.
65. Install the master cylinder reservoir cap.
66. Start the engine and allow the engine to run for at least 10 seconds.
67. Turn the ignition OFF.
68. Inspect the brake pedal feel and the brake pedal travel. Refer to "Brake Pedal Travel" in Brakes.
69. Start the engine and inspect the brake pedal feel.
70. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. Repeat the Brake System Pressure Bleeding procedure if a firm brake pedal is not obtained. Go to Step 1.

CAUTION: Do not move the vehicle until a firm brake pedal is obtained. Failure to obtain a firm pedal before moving vehicle may result in personal injury.

71. Road test the vehicle. Make several normal (non-ABS) stops from a moderate speed in order to ensure proper brake system function. Allow adequate brake system cooling time between stops.