This procedure removes all air from the brake hydraulic system by bleeding brake fluid through each caliper in the correct sequence, ensuring maximum braking performance and pedal firmness.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen all wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn before raising vehicle
4. Raise vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove all four wheels
6. Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood on driver side near firewall
7. Clean area around reservoir cap thoroughly to prevent contamination
8. Remove reservoir cap and inspect fluid level and condition
9. If fluid is dark or contaminated, consider complete system flush instead of simple bleed
10. Prepare fresh DOT 3 brake fluid and keep bottle sealed until needed
11. Attach clear vinyl tubing to catch bottle, ensure catch bottle is clean and empty

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare brake fluid reservoir
   Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Keep fresh fluid and transfer pump nearby. You will need to monitor and refill the reservoir multiple times during this procedure to prevent it from running dry.
   ⚠️Never let reservoir drop below MIN line during bleeding or air will enter ABS system
2. 2

   Locate bleeder screws on all four calipers
   Identify the bleeder screw on each caliper. Front calipers: bleeder screw is located on the inboard side near the top of the caliper body. Rear calipers: bleeder screw is on the top rear portion of the caliper. Spray bleeder screws with penetrating oil if there is any corrosion. Do not attempt to open a seized bleeder screw as it will break.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear caliper (first position)
   Start with the right rear caliper (passenger side rear) as this is furthest from the master cylinder. Clean bleeder screw area thoroughly. Place one end of vinyl tubing over bleeder screw nipple and submerge other end in catch bottle with small amount of clean brake fluid to prevent air from being sucked back. Have assistant press brake pedal slowly 3-4 times and hold firm pressure. While assistant holds pedal down, open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn with 10mm wrench. Fluid and air will flow into tubing. When flow stops and pedal reaches floor, close bleeder screw BEFORE assistant releases pedal. Repeat process until no air bubbles appear in tubing and only clean fluid flows. Check reservoir level frequently and top off as needed.
   ⚠Always close bleeder screw BEFORE releasing brake pedal to prevent air from being drawn back into system
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Bleed left rear caliper (second position)
   Move to left rear caliper (driver side rear). Repeat the same bleeding procedure as right rear: clean bleeder area, attach tubing, have assistant pump and hold brake pedal, open bleeder screw while pedal is held down, close before releasing pedal. Continue until no air bubbles are visible and only clean brake fluid flows. Top off reservoir to MAX line.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Bleed right front caliper (third position)
   Move to right front caliper (passenger side front). Repeat bleeding procedure: clean bleeder screw, attach tubing to catch bottle, have assistant pump brake pedal 3-4 times and hold firm pressure, open bleeder screw while pedal is held, observe fluid flow until no bubbles appear, close bleeder screw before pedal is released. Check reservoir and refill to MAX line.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Bleed left front caliper (fourth position)
   Move to left front caliper (driver side front, closest to master cylinder). Repeat final bleeding procedure using same method. This caliper typically requires fewer pumping cycles. Continue until absolutely no air bubbles appear and fluid runs completely clear. Close bleeder screw to proper torque specification.
   ℹ️Bleeder screws are brass and fragile - do not exceed 10.0 Nm torque specification
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Perform second bleeding sequence if needed
   If brake pedal still feels soft or spongy, repeat entire bleeding sequence (RR, LR, RF, LF) one additional time. Some air may remain trapped in the system after first sequence. Always maintain reservoir level between bleeding operations.
8. 8

   Final reservoir service
   Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Wipe away any spilled fluid from reservoir area and master cylinder. Install reservoir cap and ensure it is properly seated.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
   Install all four wheels. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in star pattern but do not fully torque yet. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern (opposing nuts sequence). Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all bleeder screws are closed and torqued to 10.0 Nm
2. Verify brake fluid reservoir is at MAX line and cap is installed
3. Verify all wheels are torqued to 140.0 Nm in star pattern
4. Clean any brake fluid residue from wheels, calipers, and painted surfaces with water

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal firmly 5-10 times - pedal should become firm and hold steady pressure. If pedal travels to floor or feels spongy, air remains in system
• Start engine (power brakes active) and verify pedal feels firm with normal travel distance. Pedal should not sink when held under constant pressure for 30 seconds
• Check all bleeder screws for leaks while assistant holds brake pedal pressure
• Perform test drive in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify brakes engage properly and pedal feel is normal. Gradually increase speed and test brake response
• After test drive, re-check brake fluid reservoir level - it should remain at MAX line with no significant drop
• Inspect ground under vehicle for any brake fluid leaks after test drive
• If pedal remains soft, ABS system may contain air requiring professional scan tool bleeding procedure
• CRITICAL: If brake pedal does not feel completely firm and normal, DO NOT drive vehicle - seek professional service immediately

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