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Manual Bleeding

CAUTION: Use only DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container.
  1. Clean areas around reservoir cap on master cylinder. Ensure fluid reservoir is full. Keep reservoir at least half full during procedure. Reinstall reservoir cap. Attach transparent tube to rear bleed valve on modulator. Submerge other end of tube in clean container partially filled with brake fluid. Slowly open bleed valve 1/2 - 3/4 turn.
  2. Have an assistant press brake pedal slowly and hold in position until fluid flows from bleeder hose. Close valve. Release brake pedal.
  3. Repeat steps 1) and 2) for front bleed valve on modulator. See Fig 1 . Refill reservoir to FULL line with DOT 3 brake fluid.
    Fig 1: Locating Modulator Front Bleed Valve
    G95H15286Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    WARNING: DO NOT drive or operate vehicle with anti-lock brake control assembly in tension-released position. With tension released, excessive pedal travel and reduced brake effectiveness could occur. Before bleeding rear brakes, perform scan tool SPECIAL TEST, RUN ABS MOTORS and PISTONS UP-HOME functions.
  4. Connect transparent hose to bleed valve at right rear wheel. Submerge other end of hose in container of clean brake fluid.
  5. Loosen bleed valve 1/2 - 3/4 turn while an assistant presses brake pedal through its full travel. Tap LIGHTLY on caliper to free trapped air while bleeding. Close bleed valve. Release brake pedal. Wait 5 seconds. Repeat procedure until air bubbles are no longer present at submerged end of hose.
  6. Proceed to next bleed valve of brake bleeding sequence. See BRAKELINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE  table. Refill reservoir after each wheel is bled. Refill reservoir to FULL line with DOT 3 brake fluid.
  7. After bleeding wheel cylinders, attach transparent tube to rear bleed valve on modulator. Submerge other end of tube in clean container partially filled with brake fluid.
  8. Have an assistant press brake pedal with moderate force. Slowly open bleed valve 1/2 - 3/4 turn. Allow fluid to flow from bleeder hose.
  9. Close valve. Release brake pedal. Wait 5 seconds. Repeat steps 8) and 9) until all air is purged from system.
  10. Repeat steps 7)-9) for front bleed valve on modulator. Refill reservoir to FULL line with DOT 3 brake fluid. Turn ignition on.
  11. Ensure pedal is firm and pedal travel is not excessive. Start engine and repeat this step. If pedal is firm and travel is not excessive, go to step 15). If pedal is not firm or travel is excessive, go to next step.
  12. Use scan tool to RUN ABS MOTORS, PISTONS UP-HOME, and PISTONS DOWN-REL functions 2 times. Using scan tool, command pistons to home position.
  13. Start engine and run for 2 seconds after ABS light goes out. Turn engine off. Repeat this step 9 more times.
  14. Repeat steps 1)-11).
  15. Check system for leaks with engine running and brakes applied. Road test vehicle. Make several normal stops from moderate speed. Make one or 2 ABS stops from approximately 50 MPH (80 KM/H). Repeat steps 1)-11). If pedal is firm and travel is not excessive, system is properly bled. A second road test is not required.
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