Bleeding Procedures

NOTE: Manufacturer recommends bleeding brake system using Pressure Bleeder (US 1116). If a pressure bleeder is not available, use standard bleeding procedure.

Exhaust vacuum reserve from power unit by depressing brake pedal several times. On ABS-equipped vehicles, depress brake pedal at least 20 times to relieve system pressure.

On all vehicles, fill master cylinder with clean brake fluid. If master cylinder was replaced, bleed master cylinder before bleeding wheel calipers. Connect bleeder hose to appropriate caliper bleeder valve. See BRAKE LINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE table.

BRAKE LINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE

Application ⁽¹⁾

Sequence

Cabriolet, Fox & Vanagon

RR, LR, RF, LF

Corrado

Either Front Caliper First, Either Rear Caliper First

Golf, GTI, Jetta & Passat

Without ABS

RR, LR, RF, LF

With ABS

LF, RF, Either Rear Caliper First

⁽¹⁾	When bleeding rear brakes, push lever of pressure regulator in direction of rear axle.

Submerge other end of hose in clean glass jar partially filled with clean brake fluid. Pump brake pedal several times, then hold down. Open bleeder valve. Holding pedal down, close bleeder valve. Release brake pedal. Repeat procedure until brake fluid shows no signs of air bubbles. When bleeding rear brakes, push lever of pressure regulator in direction of rear axle.
After bleeding ABS vehicles, turn ignition on. Allow pump to run until it shuts off. If pump runs longer than 2 minutes, allow pump to cool for 10 minutes. On all vehicles, ensure master cylinder reservoir is full.