Flushing Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6, 2006 Chevrolet Uplander, and 2006 Buick Terraza. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Inspect the brake fluid for the following conditions, indicating brake fluid contamination:
- Fluid separation, indicating two types of fluid are present. A substance other than the recommended brake fluid has been introduced into the brake hydraulic system.
- Swirled appearance-Oil-based substance
- Layered appearance-Silicone-based substance
- Fluid discoloration, indicating the presence of moisture or particles that have been introduced into the brake hydraulic system.
- Cloudy appearance-Moisture
- Dark appearance/suspended particles in fluid-Dirt, rust, corrosion, brake dust
- Fluid separation, indicating two types of fluid are present. A substance other than the recommended brake fluid has been introduced into the brake hydraulic system.
- Inspect the master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm and the reservoir-to-master cylinder grommets for swelling, indicating brake fluid contamination.
- If the brake fluid WAS contaminated with an oil-based or a silicone-based substance, indicated by fluid separation and/or a swollen master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm and/or swollen reservoir-to-master cylinder grommets, perform the following:
- Remove ALL of the following components listed from the vehicle. Each component contains internal rubber seals/linings which have been contaminated by the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the procedures indicated.
- Master Cylinder Replacement
- Brake Hose Replacement - Front
- Brake Hose Replacement - Rear (Disc Brakes)
- Brake Caliper Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes
- Brake Caliper Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes
- Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV) Replacement in Antilock Brake System
- Clean out all the hydraulic brake pipes using denatured alcohol or equivalent.
- Dry the brake pipes using non-lubricated, filtered air.
- Repair or replace ALL of the following components listed and install them to the vehicle. Each component contains internal rubber seals/linings which have been contaminated by the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the procedures indicated.
- Master Cylinder Replacement Also perform the following:
Clean the brake master cylinder reservoir using denatured alcohol or equivalent, then dry the reservoir using non-lubricated, filtered air. Inspect the reservoir for cracks and/or damage and replace if necessary. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Replacement .
Replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm.
- Brake Hose Replacement - Front
- Brake Hose Replacement - Rear (Disc Brakes)
- Brake Caliper Overhaul - Front orBrake Caliper Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes
- Brake Caliper Overhaul - Rear orBrake Caliper Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes
- Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV) Replacement in Antilock Brake System
- Master Cylinder Replacement Also perform the following:
- Remove ALL of the following components listed from the vehicle. Each component contains internal rubber seals/linings which have been contaminated by the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic system.
- If the brake fluid was NOT contaminated with an oil-based or a silicone-based substance, but WAS contaminated with water or dirt, rust, corrosion, and/or brake dust, replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm which may have allowed the moisture or particles to enter the hydraulic system.
- Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with Delco Supreme 11® (GM P/N 12377967) or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
- Pressure bleed the hydraulic brake system. Begin the procedure with the pressure bleeder reservoir filled to the maximum-fill level with the correct brake fluid as indicated. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual) or Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure) .