Malibu L4-2.4L (2010)
Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
Hydraulic Brake System Flushing
Hydraulic Brake System Flushing
Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning (See: Service Precautions/Technician Safety Information/Brake Fluid Irritant Warning).
Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution (See: Service Precautions/Vehicle Damage Warnings/Brake Fluid
Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution).
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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Master Cylinder Replacement (See: Brake Master Cylinder/Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement)
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Front Brake Hose Replacement (See: Brake Hose/Line/Service and Repair/Front Brake Hose Replacement)
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Rear Brake Hose Replacement (See: Brake Hose/Line/Service and Repair/Rear Brake Hose Replacement)
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Front Brake Caliper Replacement (See: Brake Caliper/Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Front Brake Caliper Replacement)
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Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (See: Brake Caliper/Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Brake Caliper Replacement)
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Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Replacement (See: Hydraulic Control Assembly - Antilock Brakes/Service and Repair/Brake Pressure
Modulator Valve Replacement)
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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Master Cylinder Replacement (See: Brake Master Cylinder/Service and Repair/Removal and 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. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Replacement (See: Brake
Fluid Reservoir/Service and Repair).
Replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm.
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Front Brake Hose Replacement (See: Brake Hose/Line/Service and Repair/Front Brake Hose Replacement)
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Rear Brake Hose Replacement (See: Brake Hose/Line/Service and Repair/Rear Brake Hose Replacement)
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Front Brake Caliper Overhaul (See: Brake Caliper/Service and Repair/Overhaul/Front Brake Caliper Overhaul)or Front Brake Caliper
Replacement (See: Brake Caliper/Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Front Brake Caliper Replacement)
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Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul (See: Brake Caliper/Service and Repair/Overhaul/Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul)or Rear Brake Caliper
Replacement (See: Brake Caliper/Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Brake Caliper Replacement)
*
Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Replacement (See: Hydraulic Control Assembly - Antilock Brakes/Service and Repair/Brake Pressure
Modulator Valve Replacement)
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 GM approved 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
