Manual Bleeding

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 12 other vehicles, including the 1999 Oldsmobile Bravada, 1999 GMC Sonoma, 1999 GMC Jimmy, 1999 GMC Envoy, and 1999 Chevrolet S10 Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Air tends to cling to caliper walls. When bleeding vehicles with disc brakes, lightly tap caliper to help remove air.

Tools Required

J 28434 Wheel Cylinder Bleeder Wrench
J 21472 Brake Bleeder Wrench

Apply the brakes several times with the ignition OFF in order to relieve the brake vacuum reserve.
Fill the master cylinder reservoirs with DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid.
Maintain the fluid level during bleeding.
If the master cylinder has air in the bore, bleed the master cylinder using the following procedure:
1. Disconnect the forward brake pipe connector at the master cylinder.
2. Allow the brake fluid to flow from the connector port.
3. Connect the brake pipe connector. Do not tighten the brake pipe connector.
4. Slowly apply the brake pedal and allow the air to bleed from the loose connector.
5. Tighten the connector before releasing the brake pedal.
7. Wait 15 seconds.
Repeat this sequence, including the 15 second wait, until all air is purged from the master cylinder bore.
Repeat this procedure for the rear brake pipe after you purge all the air from the forward pipe connection.
If the brake pressure modulator valve of the antilock brake system is replaced or if you suspect that air is trapped inside, bleed the brake pressure modulator valve next. For 1998, refer to BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE (BPMV) & COMBINATION VALVE in ANTI-LOCK BRAKES article. For 1999, refer to BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE (BPMV) & COMBINATION VALVE in ANTI-LOCK BRAKES article.
Follow this sequence if it is necessary to bleed all four wheels:
1. Right rear wheel cylinder or caliper.
2. Left rear wheel cylinder or caliper.
3. Right front wheel caliper.
4. Left front wheel caliper.
Use J 28434 to bleed the wheel cylinders.
Place the hex end of the wrench over the wheel cylinder bleeder valve.
Immerse the opposite end of the hose into a clear container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
Use J 21472 to bleed the calipers.
Place the proper size hex end of the wrench over the caliper bleeder valve.
Place a clear tube over the caliper bleeder valve.
Immerse the opposite end of the hose into a clear container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
Slowly apply the brake pedal one time and hold.
Loosen the bleeder valve in order to purge the air from the wheel cylinder or caliper.
Tighten the bleeder valve and slowly release the brake pedal.
Wait 15 seconds.
NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Repeat this sequence, including the 15-second wait, until all air is purged from the wheel cylinder or caliper.
Tighten the bleeder valve to 7 Nm (62 lb in).
Repeat steps 10-21 at each wheel until the brake system is bled.
Clean any brake fluid off the vehicle that may have gotten on it during the bleeding procedure.
Inspect the brake pedal for sponginess, and inspect the brake warning lamp for an indication of unbalanced pressure. Repeat the bleeding procedure in order to correct either of these conditions.
Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the proper level.