Brake System Bleeding

NOTE: Air the hydraulic system will not cause a spongy pedal feel or additional pedal travel.

The ABS/TCS must be bled any time air enters the hydraulic system. The ABS/TCS monitors booster piston travel and boost pressure and may set a diagnostic trouble code due to air in the system.

ABS/TCS bleeding information is divided into three parts, including:

Pump and booster bleeding
Pressure bleeding wheel circuits and master cylinder
Manual bleeding of wheel circuits and master cylinder

The pump and booster MUST be bled if service is performed which involves removal of the pressure hose (pump to hydraulic unit), return hose (hydraulic unit reservoir to pump) or pump/motor assembly. The pump and booster also must be bled if the reservoir has been emptied or removed.

The individual wheel circuits MUST be bled if any hose or pipe fitting has been disconnected or if any caliper has been removed from the car. If it is necessary to bleed the pump and booster, it may also be necessary to bleed all wheel circuits. Wheel circuits may be bled manually or with a pressure bleeder.