Bleed

Tiny
CHRISTOPHER FARLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 189,000 MILES
My brakes were squishy, so I went ahead and bled the break system (did not realize the car did not have bleeder valves, had nuts instead). Got all of the brakes re-bled and as soon as I started up the car the brakes went all the way to the floor, tried pumping the brakes but still to the floor. As I had someone in the car I could hear air go into the master cylinder. So would that be the cap to the reservoir? Noticed the rubber on the cap was pushed out. Do not see any leaks on the master cylinder and do not want to buy a new one if I do not have to. Any help and/or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Monday, August 27th, 2018 AT 3:03 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

The car has bleeder valves on each wheel. If they are not there or are broken off, then you need to replace the affected caliper.

As far as the cover, did you fill the master with fluid? Is the gasket swelled up beyond its original size?

If you have ABS, this is the procedure you must follow for bleeding:

Roy

Automated Bleed Procedure

Tools Required
- A scan tool
- A 35 psi pressure bleeder with the proper master cylinder adapter
- Delco Supreme 11 or equivalent Dot 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container
- A hoist
- An unbreakable plastic bleeder bottle equipped with a hose (in order to recover fluid at the wheels)
- An assistant, if needed
- Suitable safety attire, including safety glasses Preliminary Inspection

1. Inspect the battery for full charge, repair the battery and charging system as necessary. Refer to Battery Charging.
2. Connect a scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC) and select current and history DTCs. Repair any DTCs prior to performing the ABS bleed procedure.
3. Inspect for visual damage and leaks. Repair as needed.

Preliminary Setup
1. Raise and support the vehicle on a suitable support. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
3. Remove all four tires, if necessary.
4. Connect the pressure bleeding tool according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition switch to RUN position, with the engine off.
6. Connect the scan tool and establish communications with the ABS system.
7. Pressurize the bleeding tool to 30 to 35 psi.

Performing the Automated Bleed Procedure

Notice: The Auto Bleed Procedure may be terminated at any time during the process by pressing the EXIT button. No further Scan Tool prompts pertaining to the Auto Bleed procedure will be given. After exiting the bleed procedure, relieve bleed pressure and disconnect bleed equipment per manufacturers instructions. Failure to properly relieve pressure may result in spilled brake fluid causing damage to components and painted surfaces.

1. With the pressure bleeding tool at 30 to 35 psi, and all bleeder screws in closed position, select Automated Bleed Procedure on the scan tool and follow the instructions.
2. The first part of the automated bleed procedure will cycle the pump and front release valves for 1 minute. After the cycling has stopped the scan tool will enter a "cool down" mode and display a 3 minute timer. The auto bleed will not continue until this timer expired, and cannot be overridden.
3. During the next step, the scan tool will request the technician to open one of the bleeder screws. The scan tool will then cycle the respective release valve and pump motor for 1 minute.
4. The scan tool will repeat step 3 for the remaining bleeder screws.
5. With the bleeder tool still attached to the vehicle and maintaining 35 psi, the scan tool will instruct the technician to independently open each bleeder screw for approximately 20 seconds. This should allow any remaining air to be purged from the brake lines.
6. When the automated bleed procedure is completed, the scan tool will display the appropriate message.
7. Remove pressure from the pressure bleeding tool, and then disconnect the tool from the vehicle.
8. Depress the brake pedal in order to gauge the pedal height and feel. Repeat step 1 through step 8 until the pedal height and feel is acceptable.
9. Remove the scan tool from the DLC connector.
10. Install the tire and wheels assemblies, if removed.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Inspect the brake fluid level in master cylinder.
13. Road test the vehicle in order to ensure that the brake pedal remains high and firm.
If vehicle is equipped with TCS, the scan tool will cycle both the ABS and TCS solenoids valves. This bleed procedure is the same as the procedure above.
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Friday, March 12th, 2021 AT 11:10 AM

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