ION L4-2.4L (2007)
Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
Hydraulic Brake System Flushing
Hydraulic Brake System Flushing
Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution.
Notice: When adding fluid to the brake master cylinder reservoir, use only GM approved or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake
fluid container. The use of any type of fluid other than the recommended type of brake fluid may cause contamination which could result in damage to
the internal rubber seals and/or rubber linings of hydraulic brake system components.
Notice: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Notice.
1. Inspect the brake fluid for the following conditions, indicating brake fluid contamination:
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Fluid separation, indicating 2 types of fluid are present. A substance other than the recommended brake fluid has been introduced into the
brake hydraulic system.
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Swirled appearance - oil-based substance
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Layered appearance - silicone-based substance
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Fluid discoloration, indicating the presence of moisture or particles that have been introduced into the brake hydraulic system
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Cloudy appearance - moisture
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Dark appearance/suspended particles in fluid - dirt, rust, corrosion, brake dust
2. Inspect the master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm and the reservoir-to-master cylinder grommets for swelling, indicating brake fluid
contamination.
3. If the brake fluid WAS contaminated with an oil-based or a silicone-based substance, indicated by fluid separation and/or a swollen master
cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm and/or swollen reservoir-to-master cylinder grommets, perform the following:
1. Remove ALL of the following components listed from the vehicle. Each component contains internal rubber seals/linings which have been
contaminated by the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the procedures indicated:
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Brake Master Cylinder Auxiliary Reservoir Replacement (Automatic Transmission) Brake Master Cylinder Auxiliary Reservoir
Replacement (Manual Transmission)
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Master Cylinder Replacement
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Front Brake Hose Replacement
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Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Caliper) Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Jounce)
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Front Brake Caliper Replacement
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Rear Brake Caliper Replacement, if equipped,
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Wheel Cylinder Replacement, if equipped,
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Proportioning Valve Replacement, if equipped
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Brake Modulator Assembly Replacement, if equipped,
2. Clean out all the hydraulic brake pipes using denatured alcohol, or equivalent.
3. Dry the brake pipes using non-lubricated, filtered air.
4. Repair or replace ALL of the following components listed and install them to the vehicle. Each component contains internal rubber
seals/linings which have been contaminated by the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the procedures indicated:
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Brake Master Cylinder Auxiliary Reservoir Replacement (Automatic Transmission) Brake Master Cylinder Auxiliary Reservoir
Replacement (Manual Transmission)
Replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm.
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Master Cylinder Replacement ; also perform the following:
Clean the brake master cylinder reservoir using denatured alcohol, or equivalent, then dry the reservoir using non-lubricated, filtered
air. Inspect the reservoir for cracks and/or damage and replace if necessary.
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Front Brake Hose Replacement
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Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Caliper) Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Jounce)
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Front Brake Caliper Overhaul or Front Brake Caliper Replacement
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Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul or Rear Brake Caliper Replacement, if equipped
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Wheel Cylinder Replacement, if equipped,
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Proportioning Valve Replacement, if equipped
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Brake Modulator Assembly Replacement, if equipped, in Antilock Brake System
4. If the brake fluid was NOT contaminated with an oil-based or a silicone-based substance, but WAS contaminated with water or dirt, rust,
corrosion, and/or brake dust, replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm which may have allowed the moisture or particles to enter
the hydraulic system.
5. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with Saturn P/N 21013073, or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed
brake fluid container.
6. Pressure bleed the hydraulic brake system. Begin the procedure with the pressure bleeder reservoir filled to the maximum-fill level with the correct
brake fluid as indicated.
