Conventional Brake System Bleeding: Bleeding

NOTE:

Review the Service Precautions before doing repairs or service .
There are three different methods used for bleeding brake systems. The method shown in this procedure is the preferred method for removing the air from the system. For pressure or vacuum bleeding, refer to the tool manufacturer's instructions included with the tool. If you use a commercially available pressure feed bleeder and operate the brake pedal, excessive hydraulic pressure will be applied to the cup inside the master cylinder causing damage. Do not use these methods together.
When a rear brake caliper equipped with an electric parking brake is removed and installed, or overhauled (brake hose was disconnected), the bleeding procedure differs from the normal method. First, bleed the brakes using the normal procedure. Second, follow the procedure listed under rear caliper bleed. Third, bleed the brakes again using the normal procedure. This does not apply when the rear calipers are replaced.

NOTE:

The reservoir connected to the master cylinder must be at the MAX (upper) level mark at the start of the bleeding procedure and checked after bleeding each wheel. Add fluid as required.
Before beginning the bleeding procedure, remove the reservoir cap and strainer, and remove any dirt and debris then reinstall the strainer only.
Bleed the brake system in the following order: front-driver's, front-passenger's, rear-passenger's, and rear-driver's.
Unless indicated, the illustrations shown are examples only and may not match your vehicle.

Vehicle - Lift

Brake System - Normal Bleed

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

NOTE: If a large amount of air is introduced into the system from a brake system component replacement, first drain the brake fluid into a container from each caliper by pumping the brake pedal slowly before starting the normal brake system bleed.

1. Attach a clear tube (A) to the bleed screw (B).

2. Submerge the other end of the clear tube into a clear plastic catch bottle of brake fluid (C).

3. Have an assistant slowly pump the brake pedal several times then apply steady continuous pressure.

4. Loosen the bleed screw slowly to bleed the fluid into the plastic catch bottle. The brake pedal will travel toward the floor as the fluid is bled from the system.

5. When the brake pedal reaches the floor, have the assistant hold the pedal in that position, then tighten the bleed screw. The brake pedal can now be released.

6. Repeat steps 3 thru 5 until the brake fluid in the clear drain tube appears fresh and there are no air bubbles in the fluid. Then tighten the bleed screw to the specified torque

7. Repeat this procedure for each caliper in the bleeding sequence.NOTE: If you removed and installed (brake hose was disconnected), or overhauled the rear caliper, also do the rear caliper bleed procedure.

Brake System - Rear Caliper Bleed

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

NOTE:

When shaking the caliper body, be careful not to damage the electric parking brake actuator.
When bleeding the brake system, air can get trapped inside the rear calipers. This is due to the complex fluid path inside the electric parking brake calipers. Therefore this procedure is necessary.

1. Remove the caliper assembly without disconnecting the brake hose from the caliper body .

2. Tilt up the caliper body as shown and shake it.

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

3. Tilt down the caliper body as shown and shake it again.

4. Install the rear brake caliper body

5. Bleed the rear brake again using the normal bleeding procedure.