Warning: Brake fluid is poisonous. In case of contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of water. If swallowed or in the eye, seek medical attention. Some types of brake fluid are flammable and may ignite when in contact with hot parts. When handling brake fluid, take fire precautions as you would when handling gasoline. Brake fluid is aggressive to paintwork and plastics. If liquid gets on the car body, wash it off with plenty of water. The liquid is also hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, making it unusable. Never use expired fluid. When topping up or replacing fluid, always use fluid of the prescribed type and from a freshly opened container.
General information
1. Proper operation of the system is only possible after all air has been purged from the components and circuits. This is achieved by pumping the system.
2. When filling the system, use only clean, fresh fluid of the recommended type and grade. Never reuse liquid. Stock up on enough fluid to replace.
3. If a fluid of a type not recommended has entered the hydraulic system specification, the system must be completely flushed, all seals replaced and filled with fresh, clean fluid of the prescribed type.
4. Repair any leaks before beginning fluid change work.
5. Install the car horizontally on a viewing hole or lift. Otherwise, apply the handbrake, raise the front of the vehicle and install safety stands. If necessary, remove the lower protective casing of the power unit from under the car. Remove the wheels for better access.
6. Check up reliability of tubes, hoses, connections. Remove the caps from the bleed nipples and clean the area around them from dirt.
7. Turn away a cover of a brake reservoir and bring liquid level in it to a maximum. Close the lid, remember that during the procedure the liquid level should not fall below the minimum mark, otherwise there is a risk of air entering the system.
8. There are a sufficient number of ways to self-bleed the brakes without an assistant, and all kinds of devices for this are sold in car dealerships. We recommend purchasing one of them, as it greatly facilitates the operation. Main method (with an assistant) described below.
9. If the device was purchased, prepare the car as described above and then proceed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
10. Whichever method you choose, the pumping sequence (p.p. 11 and 12) and the result should be the same - the removal of all air from the system.
Pumping sequence
11. If only one circuit has been opened, there is no need to bleed the entire system.
12. When bleeding the entire system, follow the following bleeding sequence:
- A) Right rear wheel
- b) Left rear wheel
- V) Right front wheel
- G) Left front wheel
Pumping
Main method (with an assistant)
13. Prepare a clean glass jar, a rubber or plastic hose that needs to be pulled over the bleeder fitting and a spanner wrench for the fitting. An assistant is also required.
14. Remove the dust cap of the first (in the above sequence) fitting, put a wrench on the fitting and tighten the hose. Lower the free end of the hose into the jar and pour so much liquid into it that its level is higher than the end of the hose.
15. When carrying out this procedure, the liquid level in the tank must be maintained at least below the MIN·mark.
16. Have an assistant depress the brake pedal several times to pressurize the system and then keep the pedal depressed.
17. With the pedal depressed, unscrew the fitting about one turn to release air and pressurized fluid into the jar.
18. The assistant should press the pedal to the floor and not let go without your command. As soon as the fluid stops flowing, wrap the fitting and ask the assistant to release the pedal. Check the fluid level in the brake reservoir.
19. Repeat steps 16 and 19 until no more bubbles come out of the hose.
20. If no more bubbles come out, tighten the fitting. Remove hose and wrench. Install the dust cap on the fitting.
21. Repeat the bleeding procedure for the remaining working cylinders (in the sequence above), until the air is completely removed from the system, and the brake pedal becomes "tough".
Pumping - way "with check valve"
22. The meaning of the name is to use a check valve to prevent air from entering the system. The set of such a set may also include a transparent container.
23. Such a device is attached to the bleeder and unscrewed. Sit behind the wheel, press the brake pedal sharply - release smoothly. Repeat the procedure until bubbles stop coming out of "valve".
24. The use of such a device is intended to facilitate the bleeding of the circuit, but not to replenish the brake reservoir with fluid. During the procedure, make sure that the liquid level in the tank does not fall below the minimum, otherwise air may enter the system and start all over again.
Pumping using external pressure
25. Such devices usually work using air from, for example, a spare tire. When doing this, keep in mind that you may have to lower the air pressure (see instructions for use of the device).
26. Attach a sealed container with fluid under pressure in it to the brake reservoir. After that, the bleed fittings are usually simply unscrewed in accordance with the above sequence. Let the liquid out until no more bubbles appear.
27. This method has the advantage that the system is protected from the possibility of air entering it during pumping.
28. Bleeding under pressure is especially effective when bleeding complex systems or when changing the fluid completely.
All Methods
29. After removing air from the system and restoring"rigidity" pedals, wash off fluid spills. Tighten fittings to specified torque. Install dust caps.
30. Check the fluid level in the tank and top up if necessary (see Weekly checks).
31. Discard the drained fluid - it cannot be reused.
32. Check pedal stiffness. If the pedal "soft", or the free play is large, there may still be air in the system and re-bleeding is required. If repeated bleeding does not produce the desired result, the master cylinder seals may be worn out.
Note: If air cannot be completely expelled when bleeding the system, it may be due to air entering the ABS hydraulic system. Please contact your dealer for assistance as this requires specialized diagnostic equipment to completely bleed the air.
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