Electric Servo Brake System Bleeding: Procedure

NOTICE: 

• 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.

NOTE: 

• The procedure of bleeding brake system is different from that of replacing brake fluid. Refer to the procedure of Brake Fluid Replacement as needed .
• The reservoir connected to the pedal feel simulator 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.
• 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.
• 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.

1. Vehicle - Lift
2. 12 Volt Battery Terminal - Disconnect

   1. Open the driver's door, and wait 3 minutes or more. NOTE:  Do not turn the vehicle to the ON mode. 2. Do the 12 volt battery terminal disconnection procedure .

3. Brake System - Normal Bleed 1 (Between Pedal Feel Simulator and Brake Caliper)

   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. Check and refill the reservoir tank to the MAX (upper) level line. Be sure to reinstall the reservoir cap. 7. Repeat steps 3 thru 6 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 . 8. Repeat this procedure for each brake in the bleeding sequence.

4. Brake System - Normal Bleed 2 (Between Pedal Feel Simulator and Tandem Motor Cylinder)

   Rear bleed screw  Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.HONDA, U.S.A., INC. Front bleed screw  Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

   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. Check and refill the reservoir tank to the MAX (upper) level line. Be sure to reinstall the reservoir cap. 7. Repeat steps 3 thru 6 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  8. Repeat this procedure for each bleed screw of the tandem motor cylinder in the bleeding sequence.

5. Brake System - Normal Bleed 3 (Between Pedal Feel Simulator and Brake Caliper)

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

   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. Check and refill the reservoir tank to the MAX (upper) level line. Be sure to reinstall the reservoir cap. 7. Repeat steps 3 thru 6 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  8. Repeat this procedure for each bleed screw of the brake caliper in the bleeding sequence.

6. 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.

7. 12 Volt Battery Terminal - Reconnect
8. After Bleeding - Check

   1. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode. 2. Check that the brake system indicator does not come on.