Pressure 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.

NOTE: Use a diaphragm-type pressure bleeder. The pressure bleeder must have a rubber diaphragm between the air supply and the brake fluid. This prevents the following items from entering the hydraulic brake system:

Air
Moisture
Oil
Other contaminants

Tools Required

J 35589 Master Cylinder Pressure Bleeder Adapter
J 39177 Combination Valve Pressure Bleeding Tool
J 28434 Wheel Cylinder Bleeder Wrench
J 21472 Brake Bleeder Wrench

Fill the pressure bleeder tank at least 2/3 full of brake fluid.
Charge the pressure bleeder with 140-170 kPa (20-25 psi) air pressure.
Bleed the pressure bleeder each time fluid is added in order to remove any trapped air.
Use the J 39177 in order to depress and hold the valve stem on the combination valve.
Remove the master cylinder reservoir cap and install the master cylinder pressure bleeder adapter, J 35589 , to the reservoir.
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 first. 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:
- Right rear wheel cylinder or caliper.
- Left rear wheel cylinder or caliper.
- Right front wheel caliper.
- Left front wheel caliper.
Connect the hose from the pressure bleeder to the adapter at the master cylinder.
Open the tank valve.
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.
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.
Slowly open the wheel cylinder or caliper bleeder valve at least 3/4 of a turn. Allow the fluid to flow until you see no more air in the fluid.
Tighten the wheel cylinder or caliper bleeder valve to 7 Nm (62 lb in).
Repeat steps 11-18 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. Inspect the brake warning lamp for an indication of unbalanced pressure. Repeat the bleeding procedure in order to correct either of these conditions.
Disconnect the hose from the bleeder adapter.
Remove the bleeder adapter.
Fill the master cylinder to the proper level.
Install the master cylinder reservoir cap.