BLEEDING BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
A bleeding operation is necessary to remove air from
the hydraulic brake system whenever air is introduced
into the hydraulic system. It may be necessary to
bleed the hydraulic system at all four brakes if air has
been introduced through a low fluid level or by
disconnecting brake pipes at the master cylinder. If a
brake pipe is disconneted at one wheel, only that
wheel cylinder/caliper needs to be bled. If pipes are
disconnected at any fitting located between master
cylinder and brakes, then the brake system served by
the disconnected pipe must be bled.
1. For 4-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS)
equipped vehicle, be sure to remove the ABS main
fuse 40A located at the relay and fuse box before
bleeding air. If you attempt to bleed air without
removing the main fuse, air cannot be let out
thoroughly, and this may cause damage to the
hydraulic unit. After bleeding air, be sure to
replace the ABS main fuse back to its original
position.
2. Set the parking brake completely, then start the
engine.
NOTE:
The vacuum booster will be damaged if the bleeding
operation is performed with the engine off.
3. Remove the master cylinder reservoir cap.
4. Fill the master cylinder reservoir with brake fluid.
Keep the reservoir at least half full during the air
bleeding operation.
5. Always use new brake fluid for replenishment.
6. In replenishing brake fluid, take care that air
bubbles do not enter the brake fluid.
•When the master cylinder is replaced or
overhauled, first bleed the air from the master
cylinder, then from each wheel cylinder and
caliper following the procedures described
below.
Bleeding the Master Cylinder
7. Disconnect the rear wheel brake pipe 1from the
master cylinder. Check the fluid level and
replenish as necessary. If replenished, leave the
system for at least one minute.
8. Depress the brake pedal slowly once and hold it
depressed.
9. Completely seal the delivery port of the master
cylinder where the pipe was disconnected with
your finger, then release the brake pedal slowly.
10. Release your finger from the delivery port when
the brake pedal returns completely.
11. Repeat steps 7 through 9 until the brake fluid
comes out of the delivery port during step 7.
NOTE:
Do not allow the fluid level in the reservoir to go
below the half-way mark.