GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Pressure Flushing

Tools Required

    • J 29532 Diaphragm Type Brake Bleeder
    • J 35589 Compact Brake Bleeder Adapter

    Object Number: 241624  Size: SH

    Notice: Pressure Bleeding equipment can be used to perform the flush procedure. The pressure bleeding equipment used for flushing must be of the diaphragm type. It must a have a rubber diaphragm between the air supply and the brake fluid to prevent air, moisture, and other contaminants from entering the hydraulic system.

  1. Clean the brake fluid reservoir cover and the surrounding area.
  2. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
  3. Remove any remaining brake fluid in the reservoir.
  4. Fill the brake fluid reservoir with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling .
  5. Install the J 35589 to the brake fluid reservoir.
  6. Connect the J 29532 brake fluid hose to the bleeder adapter.
  7. Adjust the pressure bleeding equipment to 35-70 kPa (5-10 psi) and wait for approximately 30 seconds in order to ensure there is no leakage.
  8. Adjust the pressure bleeding equipment to 205-240 kPa (30-35 psi).
  9. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

  10. Object Number: 179295  Size: SH
  11. Flush the brakes in the following sequence:
  12. • Right rear
    • Left front
    • Left rear
    • Right front
  13. Attach the bleeder hose (3) to the bleeder valve at each wheel.
  14. Place the other end of the bleeder hose into a container (2) in order to collect the draining brake fluid.
  15. Slowly open the bleeder valve and allow the fluid to flow.
  16. Close the valve when clean brake fluid begins to flow or at least 235 ml (8 oz) of fluid accumulates.
  17. Tighten

    1. Tighten the front caliper bleeder valves to 13 N·m (115 lb in).
    2. Tighten the rear caliper bleeder valves to 7 N·m (62 lb in).
  18. Remove the bleeder adapter.
  19. Replace all of the following rubber components:
  20. • The brake hose assemblies. Refer to Front Brake Hose Replacement and Rear Brake Hose Replacement .
    • The master cylinder rubber parts. Refer to Master Cylinder Overhaul .
    • The brake caliper seals. Refer to Brake Caliper Overhaul in Disc Brakes.
  21. Replace the brake pressure modulator valve. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
  22. Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
  23. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
  24. Bleed the entire brake hydraulic system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .
  25. Lower the vehicle.

Manual Flushing


    Object Number: 241624  Size: SH

    Important: Use a suitable container and/or shop rags in order to catch fluid and prevent the fluid from contacting any painted surfaces.

  1. Clean the brake fluid reservoir cover and the surrounding area.
  2. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
  3. Remove any remaining brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
  4. Fill the brake fluid reservoir with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling .
  5. Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
  6. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

  7. Object Number: 179295  Size: SH
  8. Flush the brakes in the following sequence:
  9. • Right rear
    • Left front
    • Left rear
    • Right front
  10. Attach the bleeder hose (3) to the bleeder valve at each wheel.
  11. Place the other end of the bleeder hose into a container (2) in order to collect the draining brake fluid.
  12. Slowly open the bleeder valve and allow the fluid to flow.
  13. Close the valve when clean brake fluid begins to flow or at least 235 ml (8 oz) of fluid accumulates.
  14. Tighten

    1. Tighten the front caliper bleeder valves to 13 N·m (115 lb in).
    2. Tighten the rear caliper bleeder valves to 7 N·m (62 lb in).
  15. Replace all the following rubber components:
  16. • The brake hose assemblies. Refer to Front Brake Hose Replacement and Rear Brake Hose Replacement .
    • The master cylinder rubber parts. Refer to Master Cylinder Overhaul .
    • The brake caliper seals. Refer to Brake Caliper Overhaul in Disc Brakes.
  17. Replace the brake pressure modulator valve. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
  18. Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
  19. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
  20. Bleed the entire brake hydraulic system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .
  21. Lower the vehicle.