Regal V6-231 3.8L VIN L SFI (1990)
Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
Pressure Bleeding
If a Powermaster III unit has been replaced, or air is suspected in the brake lines, the entire braking system must be bled.
If only a hydraulic portion of the Powermaster III unit has been replaced, without allowing air into the brake lines, it may only be necessary to
manually bleed the Powermaster III unit.
Pressure bleeding must be done with diaphragm type bleeding equipment. Use only DOT 3 type brake fluid from a sealed container.
1.
Turn ignition switch to the Off position, then depressurize the Powermaster III unit, refer to DEPRESSURIZING POWERMASTER III.
2.
Clean reservoir cover and diaphragm assembly, then remove assembly.
3.
Check fluid in both reservoir sections, then fill to proper level, using clean DOT 3 brake fluid, if necessary.
4.
Install bleeder adapter tool No. J-37115 or equivalent and secure with attachment cable. Ensure cable does not interfere with bleeder valve access.
5.
Attach bleeder adapter to pressure bleed equipment, charge to 5-10 psi. for approximately 30 seconds, then slowly increase pressure to 30-35 psi.
6.
Bleed adapter tool No. J-37115 or equivalent by connecting a clear plastic hose to adapter bleeder screw and submerging opposite end in a clean
container partially filled with brake fluid.
7.
Slowly open bleeder valve, allowing fluid to flow until no more air is seen in fluid, then close valve.
8.
Raise and support vehicle, then bleed brakes in sequence: right rear, left rear, right front, then left front, as described below.
9.
Attach bleeder hose to bleeder valve, then submerge opposite end in a clean container partially filled with brake fluid.
10.
Slowly open bleeder valve and allow fluid to flow for 20-30 seconds. To aid in releasing entrapped air, lightly tap on caliper castings with a rubber
mallet.
11.
Close valve when fluid begins to run with no bubbles. Repeat steps 9-11 for each wheel, following wheel sequence in step 8.
12.
Lower vehicle, then attach bleeder hose to bleeder valve on inboard side of Powermaster III unit and submerge opposite end of hose in a clean
container partially filled with brake fluid.
13.
Slowly open bleeder valve and allow fluid to flow for 20-30 seconds.
14.
Close valve when fluid begins to run with no bubbles.
15.
Repeat steps 13-15 for outboard side bleeder valve.
16.
Remove bleeder adapter tool No. J-37115 or equivalent from Powermaster III unit, then check fluid level in both reservoirs. Fill if necessary.
17.
Snap reservoir cover into place, then apply moderate to heavy force to the brake pedal.
18.
With the pedal applied, turn ignition switch to the On position for 5 seconds, then turn ignition switch to the Off position. Do this 10 times in
succession to cycle solenoids. Do not start engine, or place ignition switch in the Start position.
19.
Depressurize Powermaster III unit, then wait two minutes for air to clear from reservoir.
20.
Attach bleeder hose to bleeder valve on inboard side of Powermaster III unit and submerge opposite end in a clean container partially filled with
brake fluid.
21.
With the ignition switch in the On position, apply light force to the brake pedal, then slowly open bleeder valve and allow fluid to flow until no air
is seen.
22.
Close valve when no air is seen in fluid.
23.
Repeat steps 21-23, on outboard side bleeder valve.
24.
Turn ignition switch to the Off position, then depressurize Powermaster III unit.
25.
Remove reservoir cover and diaphragm assembly, then check fluid level in reservoirs. Use clean DOT 3 fluid to fill if necessary.
26.
Snap reservoir cover onto reservoir, then turn ignition switch to the On position. Allow pump to run.
27.
Turn ignition switch to the Off position if pump runs longer than 60 seconds, inspect pump for malfunction.
28.
Apply brake pedal and note travel and feel. If pedal feels firm and smooth, without excessive travel, system is properly bled.
29.
If pedal feels soft, spongy, or has excessive travel, refer to EXCESSIVE PEDAL TRAVEL.
30.
If a bump is noted upon initial pedal apply, or pedal apply does not feel smooth and uniform, refer to NON-UNIFORM PEDAL APPLY.
31.
Road test vehicle. If any of the above symptoms appear, refer to appropriate procedure.
