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Pressure Bleeding

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 2002 GMC Yukon, 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: Brake fluid may irritate eyes and skin. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water. In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water. In case of ingestion, consult a physician immediately.
CAUTION: Avoid spilling brake fluid onto painted surfaces, electrical connections, wiring, or cables. Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces and cause corrosion to electrical components. If any brake fluid comes in contact with painted surfaces, immediately flush the area with water. If any brake fluid comes in contact with electrical connections, wiring, or cables, use a clean shop cloth to wipe away the fluid.
CAUTION: When adding fluid to the brake master cylinder reservoir, use only Delco Supreme 11® (GM P/N 12377967), or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. The use of any type of fluid other than the recommended type of brake fluid, may cause contamination which could result in damage to the internal rubber seals and/or rubber linings of hydraulic brake system components.
  1. Place a clean shop cloth beneath the brake master cylinder to prevent brake fluid spills.
  2. With the ignition OFF and the brakes cool, apply the brakes 3-5 times, or until the brake pedal effort increases significantly, in order to deplete the brake booster power reserve.
  3. If you have performed a brake master cylinder bench bleeding on this vehicle, or if you disconnected the brake pipes from the master cylinder, you must perform the following steps:
    1. Ensure that the brake master cylinder reservoir is full to the maximum-fill level. If necessary, add Delco Supreme 11®, or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. If removal of the reservoir cap and diaphragm is necessary, clean the outside of the reservoir on and around the cap prior to removal.
    2. With the rear brake pipe installed securely to the master cylinder, loosen and separate the front brake pipe from the front port of the brake master cylinder.
    3. Allow a small amount of brake fluid to gravity bleed from the open port of the master cylinder.
    4. Reconnect the brake pipe to the master cylinder port and tighten securely.
    5. Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal fully and maintain steady pressure on the pedal.
    6. Loosen the same brake pipe to purge air from the open port of the master cylinder.
    7. Tighten the brake pipe, then have the assistant slowly release the brake pedal.
    8. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps  C- G until all air is purged from the same port of the master cylinder.
    9. With the front brake pipe installed securely to the master cylinder, after all air has been purged from the front port of the master cylinder, loosen and separate the rear brake pipe from the master cylinder, then repeat steps  C- H .
    10. After completing the final master cylinder port bleeding procedure, ensure that both of the brake pipe-to-master cylinder fittings are properly tightened.
  4. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with Delco Supreme 11®, or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. Clean the outside of the reservoir on and around the reservoir cap prior to removing the cap and diaphragm.
  5. Install the Master Cylinder Bleeder Adapter (J-35589-A) to the brake master cylinder reservoir.
  6. Check the brake fluid level in the Diaphragm Type Brake Pressure Bleeder (J-29532), or equivalent. Add Delco Supreme 11®, or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container as necessary to bring the level to approximately the half-full point.
  7. Connect the diaphragm type brake pressure bleeder, or equivalent, to the master cylinder bleeder adapter.
  8. Charge the diaphragm type brake pressure bleeder, or equivalent, air tank to 25-30 psi (175-205 kPa).
  9. Open the diaphragm type brake pressure bleeder, or equivalent, fluid tank valve to allow pressurized brake fluid to enter the brake system.
  10. Wait approximately 30 seconds, then inspect the entire hydraulic brake system in order to ensure that there are no existing external brake fluid leaks. Any brake fluid leaks identified require repair prior to completing this procedure.
  11. Install a proper box-end wrench onto the RIGHT REAR wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
  12. Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve.
  13. Submerge the open end of the transparent hose into a transparent container partially filled with Delco Supreme 11®, or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
  14. Loosen the bleeder valve to purge air from the wheel hydraulic circuit. Allow fluid to flow until air bubbles stop flowing from the bleeder, then tighten the bleeder valve.
  15. With the right rear wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve tightened securely, after all air has been purged from the right rear hydraulic circuit, install a proper box-end wrench onto the LEFT REAR wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
  16. Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve, then repeat steps  13- 14 .
  17. With the left rear wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve tightened securely, after all air has been purged from the left front hydraulic circuit, install a proper box-end wrench onto the RIGHT FRONT wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
  18. Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve, then repeat steps  13- 14 .
  19. With the right front wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve tightened securely, after all air has been purged from the left rear hydraulic circuit, install a proper box-end wrench onto the LEFT FRONT wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
  20. Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve, then repeat steps  13- 14 .
  21. After completing the final wheel hydraulic circuit bleeding procedure, ensure that each of the 4 wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valves are properly tightened.
  22. Close the diaphragm type brake pressure bleeder, or equivalent, fluid tank valve, then disconnect the diaphragm type brake pressure bleeder, or equivalent, from the master cylinder bleeder adapter.
  23. Remove the master cylinder bleeder adapter from the brake master cylinder reservoir.
  24. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with Delco Supreme 11®, DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
  25. Slowly depress and release the brake pedal. Observe the feel of the brake pedal.
  26. If the brake pedal feels spongy perform the following steps:
    1. Inspect the brake system for external leaks. See BRAKE SYSTEM EXTERNAL LEAK INSPECTION  under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION.
    2. Using a scan tool, perform the anti-lock brake system automated bleeding procedure to remove any air that may have been trapped in the BPMV. See BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM in appropriate ANTI-LOCK article.
  27. Turn the ignition key ON, with the engine OFF. Check to see if the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated.
    28. NOTE: Do not allow the vehicle to be driven until it is diagnosed and repaired.
  28. If the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated, see GENERAL DIAGNOSIS  under TROUBLESHOOTING.
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