Silhouette V6-3.4L VIN E (1996)
Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
Hydraulic System Bleeding
Manual Bleeding
1. Ensure brake fluid reservoir is properly filled.
2. Attach bleeder hose to modulator assembly rearward bleed valve, submerge other end of hose into clean container partially filled with brake fluid.
3. Pump brake pedal several times, then slowly open bleeder valve 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
4. Depress brake pedal and hold until fluid begins to flow.
5. Close valve and repeat steps 3 and 4 on forward valve. Once fluid is seen to flow from both the forward and rearward valves, modulator valve and
master cylinder are filled sufficiently filled with fluid. However, modulator and master cylinder assemblies may not be purged of air. At this point,
bleed the wheel brakes.
6. Raise and support vehicle.
7. Attach bleeder hose to bleeder valve of right rear wheel, submerge other end of hose into clean container partially filled with brake fluid.
8. Open bleeder valve and slowly depress brake pedal, close valve and slowly release brake pedal, wait five seconds.
9. Repeat preceding step until brake pedal feels firm and no air bubbles are observed in bleeder hose.
10. Repeat preceding bleed steps first for left rear wheel, then the right front caliper and, finally, the left front caliper.
11. Lower vehicle and attach bleeder hose to rearward bleeder valve.
12. Depress brake pedal using moderate pressure, then slowly open bleeder valve 1/2 to 3/4 turn and allow fluid to flow.
13. Close valve and release brake pedal, wait five seconds.
14. Repeat preceding two steps until all air is purged from system.
15. Repeat preceding bleed steps on forward bleeder valve.
16. Remove pressure bleeder adapter from master cylinder, then ensure brake fluid level is satisfactory. Add fluid as necessary and install reservoir
cap.
17. Place ignition switch in On position, then depress and hold brake pedal using moderate force.
18. If pedal feels consistently firm and travel is not excessive, start engine and again inspect pedal firmness and travel.
19. If pedal firmness or travel is not satisfactory before or after engine start, connect TECH 1 scan tool, then release and apply motors three times and
cycle solenoids ten times. Warning: Do not drive vehicle at this time.
20. Repeat bleed procedure as necessary to obtain proper brake pedal feel; road test vehicle and complete several non-ABS stops to ensure system
functions properly.
Pressure Bleeding
1. Remove master cylinder cover, ensure reservoir is properly filled.
2. Connect bleeder adapter tool No. J 35589, or equivalent, to master cylinder reservoir.
3. Connect bleeder adapter to pressure bleeding equipment.
4. Connect a clear plastic bleeder hose to modulator assembly rearward bleeder valve, submerge other end of hose into clean container partially filled
with brake fluid.
5. Adjust pressure bleeding equipment to 5-10 psi, then wait for approximately 30 seconds to insure there is no leakage.
6. Adjust pressure bleed equipment to 30-35 psi.
7. To bleed ABS hydraulic modulator and master cylinder, proceed as follows:
a. Slowly open rearward bleeder valve and allow fluid to flow until no air is seen in fluid, then torque valve to 65 inch lbs.
b. Attach bleeder hose to modulator assembly forward bleeder hose.
c. Slowly open forward bleeder valve and allow fluid to flow until no air is seen in fluid, then torque valve to 65 inch lbs.
8. To bleed brake pipe to modulator assembly connections, proceed as follows:
a. Place a shop cloth between brake pipe connections and the top of the motor pack assembly.
b. Loosen forward most brake pipe nut and check for air escaping in fluid.
c. When air flow ceases, torque brake pipe nut to 24 ft. lbs.
d. Repeat preceding bleed steps for remaining three brake pipe connections, moving from front to rear.
9. To bleed wheel brakes, proceed as follows:
a. Raise and support vehicle.
b. Attach bleeder hose to bleeder valve of right rear wheel, submerge other end of hose into clean container partially filled with brake fluid.
c. Loosen bleeder valve and allow fluid to flow, close valve when fluid begins to flow without any air bubbles.
d. Repeat preceding bleed steps, first for left rear wheel, then the right front caliper, then the left front caliper.
10. Place ignition switch in On position, then depress and hold brake pedal using moderate force.
11. If pedal feels consistently firm and travel is not excessive, start engine and again inspect pedal firmness and travel.
12. If pedal firmness or travel is not satisfactory before or after engine start, connect TECH 1 scan tool, then release and apply motors three times and
cycle solenoids ten times. WARNING: Do not drive vehicle at this time.
13. Repeat bleed procedure as necessary to obtain proper brake pedal feel; road test vehicle and complete several non-ABS stops to ensure system
functions properly.
General Information
The braking system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment. If bleeding manually, check fluid level frequently.
Brake fluid should never be reused. Before driving the vehicle, check brake operation to ensure a firm pedal has been obtained.
Brake fluid will damage electrical connections and painted surfaces. Use shop cloths, suitable containers, and fender covers to prevent brake
