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Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax and 2015 Buick Encore. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:

Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning .

CAUTION:

Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution .

CAUTION:

Only use products that comply with GM specifications and check manufacturer information respectively. We recommend the use of GM genuine products. Instructions must be followed at all times. The use of any type of fluid other than the recommended type of brake fluid, may cause contamination which could result in damage to the internal rubber seals and/or rubber linings of hydraulic brake system components.

If hydraulic components were serviced on only one wheel hydraulic circuit, perform the following procedure.

Bleeding a Single Hydraulic Brake Circuit

  1. With the ignition OFF and the brakes cool, apply the brakes 3-5 times, or until the brake pedal effort increases significantly, in order to deplete the brake booster power reserve.
  2. Place a clean shop cloth beneath the brake master cylinder to catch brake fluid spills.
  3. Clean the outside of the reservoir on and around the reservoir cap prior to removing the cap and diaphragm.
  4. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-full level with GM approved brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
    5. NOTE:

    The pressure bleeding equipment must be the diaphragm type. The rubber diaphragm between the air supply and the brake fluid prevents air, moisture, oil, and other contaminants from entering the hydraulic system.

  5. Following the brake pressure bleeder manufacturer's instructions, fill the brake pressure bleeder with GM approved brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
  6. Install the appropriate master cylinder reservoir adapter and connect the brake pressure bleeder.
  7. Charge the brake pressure bleeder air tank to 170-200 kPa/1.7-2.0 bar (25-30 psi), or as recommended by the brake pressure bleeder manufacturer's instructions.
  8. Open the brake pressure bleeder fluid tank valve to allow pressurized brake fluid to enter the brake hydraulic system.
    9. NOTE:

    Any brake fluid leaks identified require repair prior to completing this procedure.

  9. Wait approximately 30 seconds, then inspect the entire hydraulic brake system for external brake fluid leaks.
  10. Install a proper box-end wrench onto the wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve which has been serviced.
  11. Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve.
  12. Submerge the open end of the transparent hose into a transparent container partially filled with brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
  13. Loosen the bleeder valve to purge air from the wheel hydraulic circuit.
  14. Allow fluid to flow until air bubbles stop flowing from the bleeder.
  15. After all air has been purged from the hydraulic circuit, tighten the bleeder valve and install the dust cap.
    16. NOTE:

    The brake reservoir may have residual pressure after the bleeding operation is complete. Wrap a clean shop towel around the bleeder adapter and all hose connections before disconnecting the pressure bleeding equipment to prevent brake fluid from contacting and damaging vehicle components and painted surfaces.

  16. Close the brake pressure bleeder fluid tank valve then disconnect the brake pressure bleeder from the master cylinder reservoir bleeder adapter.
  17. Remove the master cylinder reservoir bleeder adapter from the master cylinder reservoir.
  18. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with GM approved brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
  19. Slowly press and release the brake pedal. Observe the brake pedal feel.
  20. If the brake pedal feels spongy, perform the Bleeding the Complete Brake Hydraulic System procedure:
  21. Turn the ignition key ON, with the engine OFF. Check to see if the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated.
    22. NOTE:

    DO NOT allow the vehicle to be driven until it is diagnosed and repaired.

  22. If the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated, refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Vehicle .

Bleeding the Complete Brake Hydraulic System

  1. With the ignition OFF and the brakes cool, apply the brakes 3-5 times, or until the brake pedal effort increases significantly, in order to deplete the brake booster power reserve.
  2. Place a clean shop cloth beneath the brake master cylinder to catch brake fluid spills.
  3. Clean the outside of the reservoir on and around the reservoir cap prior to removing the cap and diaphragm.
  4. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-full level with GM approved brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
  5. If the master cylinder was replaced, the master cylinder must be bench bled. Refer to Master Cylinder Bench Bleeding .
    6. NOTE:

    The pressure bleeding equipment must be the diaphragm type. The rubber diaphragm between the air supply and the brake fluid prevents air, moisture, oil, and other contaminants from entering the hydraulic system.

  6. Following the brake pressure bleeder manufacturer's instructions, fill the brake pressure bleeder with GM approved brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
  7. Install the appropriate master cylinder reservoir adapter and connect the brake pressure bleeder.
  8. Charge the brake pressure bleeder air tank to 170-200 kPa/1.7-2.0 bar (25-30 psi), or as recommended by the brake pressure bleeder manufacturer's instructions.
  9. Open the brake pressure bleeder fluid tank valve to allow pressurized brake fluid to enter the brake hydraulic system.
    10. NOTE:

    Any brake fluid leaks identified require repair prior to completing this procedure.

  10. Wait approximately 30 seconds, then inspect the entire hydraulic brake system for external brake fluid leaks.
  11. Install a proper box-end wrench onto the RIGHT REAR wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
  12. Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve.
  13. Submerge the open end of the transparent hose into a transparent container partially filled with GM approved brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
  14. Loosen the bleeder valve to purge air from the wheel hydraulic circuit.
  15. Allow fluid to flow until air bubbles stop flowing from the bleeder.
  16. After all air has been purged from the hydraulic circuit, tighten the bleeder valve and install the dust cap.
  17. Install a proper box-end wrench onto the LEFT REAR wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve, then repeat steps 12-16.
  18. Install a proper box-end wrench onto the RIGHT FRONT wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve, then repeat steps 12-16.
  19. Install a proper box-end wrench onto the LEFT FRONT wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve, then repeat steps 12-16.
  20. Close the brake pressure bleeder fluid tank valve.
    21. NOTE:

    The brake reservoir may have residual pressure after the bleeding operation is complete. Wrap a clean shop towel around the bleeder adapter and all hose connections before disconnecting the pressure bleeding equipment to prevent brake fluid from contacting and damaging vehicle components and painted surfaces.

  21. Remove the brake pressure bleeding equipment from the vehicle.
  22. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-full level with GM approved brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
  23. Slowly press and release the brake pedal. Observe the brake pedal feel.
  24. If the brake pedal feels spongy, perform the following procedure.
    1. If equipped with antilock brakes, install a scan tool and perform the Antilock Brake System Automated Bleed to remove air which may be trapped in the BPMV.
    2. Inspect the hydraulic brake system for external leaks. Refer to Brake System External Leak Inspection .
    3. Repeat the Bleeding the Complete Brake Hydraulic System procedure.
  25. If the brake pedal still feels spongy, pressure bleed the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual) Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure)  .
  26. Turn the ignition switch ON with the engine OFF. Check to see if the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated.
    27. NOTE:

    DO NOT allow the vehicle to be driven until the brake system is diagnosed and repaired.

  27. If the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated, refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Vehicle .
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