WARNING
Clean, high quality brake fluid is essential to the safe and proper operation of the brake system. You should always buy the highest quality brake fluid that is available. If the brake fluid becomes contaminated, drain and flush the system, then refill the master cylinder with new fluid. Never reuse any brake fluid. Any brake fluid that is removed from the system should be discarded.

On vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), please refer to the appropriate procedure, later in this section.

If any maintenance or repairs were performed on the brake system, or if air is suspected in the system, the system must be bled. If the master cylinder has been replaced, overhauled or if the fluid reservoir was run dry, start the bleeding procedure with the master cylinder. Otherwise (and after bleeding the master cylinder), start with the wheel cylinder which is farthest from the master cylinder (longest hydraulic line).


CAUTION
Brake fluid will remove the paint from any surface that it comes in contact with. If brake fluid spills on a painted surface, wash it off immediately.

MASTER CYLINDER

  1. Check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and add fluid as required to bring to the proper level.
    2.  
  2. Loosen the two brake tubes from the master cylinder.
    3.  
  3. Have an assistant depress the brake pedal and hold it in the down position.
    4.  
  4. While the pedal is depressed, tighten the fluid lines and then release the brake pedal.
    5.  
  5. Repeat the procedure three or four times.
    6.  
  6. Bleed the brake system, if needed.
    7.  

BRAKE SYSTEM

Start the brake system bleeding procedure on the wheel cylinder that is the furthest away from the master cylinder. To bleed the brakes you will need a supply of clean brake fluid, a long piece of clear vinyl tubing and a small container that is half full of clean brake fluid.



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Fig. Fig. 1: Attach a hose to the bleeder screw and submerge the other end into a clear container to catch the brake fluid

  1. Clean all the dirt and grease from the bleeder plugs and remove the protective caps. Connect one end of a clear vinyl tube to the fitting.
    2.  
  2. Insert the other end of the tube into a jar which is half filled with clean brake fluid.
    3.  
  3. Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal while you open the bleeder plug 1/3-1/2 of a turn. Fluid should run out of the tube. When the pedal is at its full range of travel, close the bleeder plug.
    4.  
  4. Have your assistant slowly pump the brake pedal. Repeat Step 3 until there are no more air bubbles in the fluid.
    5.  
  5. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 for each bleeder plug. Add brake fluid to the master cylinder reservoir as necessary, so that it does not completely drain during bleeding.
    6.