Conventional Brake System Bleeding: Bleeding

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NOTICE:

Review the Service Precautions before doing repairs or service .
There are three different methods used for bleeding brake systems. The method shown in this procedure is the preferred method for removing the air from the system. For pressure or vacuum bleeding, refer to the tool manufacturer's instructions included with the tool. If you use a commercially available pressure feed bleeder and operate the brake pedal, excessive hydraulic pressure will be applied to the cup inside the master cylinder causing damage. Do not use these methods together.

NOTE:

The reservoir connected to the master cylinder must be at the MAX (upper) level mark at the start of the bleeding procedure and checked after bleeding each wheel. Add fluid as required.
Before beginning the bleeding procedure, remove the reservoir cap and strainer, and remove any dirt and debris then reinstall the strainer only.
Bleed the brake system in the following order: front-driver's, front-passenger's, rear-passenger's and rear-driver's.
If the rear brake caliper was disassembled and reassembled, an additional bleed of the rear caliper is required (only for the caliper that was disassembled) after the normal air bleeding.
Unless indicated, the illustrations shown are examples only and may not match your vehicle.

Vehicle - Lift

Brake System - Normal Bleed

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

NOTE: If a large amount of air is introduced into the system from a brake system component replacement, first drain the brake fluid into a container from each caliper by pumping the brake pedal slowly before starting the normal brake system bleed.

1. Attach a clear tube (A) to the bleed screw (B).

2. Submerge the other end of the clear tube into a clear plastic catch bottle of brake fluid (C).

3. Have an assistant slowly pump the brake pedal several times then apply steady continuous pressure.

4. Loosen the bleed screw slowly to bleed the fluid into the plastic catch bottle. The brake pedal will travel toward the floor as the fluid is bled from the system.

5. When the brake pedal reaches the floor, have the assistant hold the pedal in that position, then tighten the bleed screw. The brake pedal can now be released.

6. Repeat steps 3 thru 5 until the brake fluid in the clear tube appears fresh and there are no air bubbles in the fluid. Then tighten the bleed screw to the specified torque .

7. Repeat this procedure for each caliper in the bleeding sequence.

NOTE: If the rear caliper(s) were disassembled and reassembled, proceed to the Rear Caliper Bleed. Otherwise, the bleeding procedure is complete.

Brake System - Rear Caliper Bleed

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

NOTE: This additional bleeding procedure is required if the rear brake caliper was disassembled and reassembled. Do the following procedure only after doing the normal bleeding procedure.

1. Remove the caliper body and remove the outer pad .

2. Place a small piece of cardboard (A) in place of the outer pad and reinstall the brake caliper .

3. Slowly press the brake pedal until the caliper piston contacts the cardboard.

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

4. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

5. Apply and release the parking brake.

NOTE:

The air in the threaded portion (A) between the spindle (B) and the locknut (C) is discharged by operating the parking brake.

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

6. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) .
7. Select ADJUSTMENT from ABS/VSA menu with the HDS, then enter ENTER BRAKE PAD MAINTENANCE MODE from BRAKE PAD MAINTENANCE MODE, and follow the screen prompts. Make sure TRANSITION TO PAD EXCHANGE MODE HAS BEEN COMPLETED appears on the screen.

NOTE:

The spindle returns to the initial position by entering the brake pad maintenance mode.

8. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

9. Disconnect the negative cable from the 12 volt battery .

10. Press the brake pedal several times.

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

11. Disconnect the electric parking brake actuator connector, and remove the caliper body without disconnecting the brake hose from the caliper body

12. Hold the caliper body so that the bleed screw is upright.

13. Direct any air trapped in the caliper (A) by doing the following:

Shake the caliper side to side.
Strike the caliper several times (about 10 times) using a plastic hammer (B) as shown.

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

14. Attach a clear tube (A) to the bleed screw (B).

15. Install the brake caliper piston compressor tool (C) on the caliper body.

16. Loosen the bleed screw slowly and press in the piston with the brake caliper piston compressor tool.

If there are air bubbles in the fluid, tighten the bleed screw to the specified torque , install the rear brake caliper and repeat steps 2 thru 16.
If there are no air bubbles in the fluid, tighten the bleed screw to the specified torque , remove the cardboard and reinstall the caliper and outer pad .

17. Connect the electric parking brake actuator connector

18. Press the brake pedal several times.

19. Reconnect the negative cable to the 12 volt battery

20. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

21. Select ADJUSTMENT from ABS/VSA menu with the HDS, then enter BACK TO NORMAL MODE from BRAKE PAD MAINTENANCE MODE, and follow the screen prompts. Make sure THIS FUNCTION PROCEDURE IS FINISHED is displayed on the screen, then press the enter button.

22. Apply and release the parking brake.

23. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.