C5 (99) - Brake Flush and Bleed - Help!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 18
From: DFW Texas
C5 (99) - Brake Flush and Bleed - Help!
I realize this may have been discussed before, but a specific answer I can't find.
I need to change out brake fluid to Motul (hi performance fluid), for an upcoming event and need to know for sure if there is anything out of the ordinary in completing this task.
I've heard/read - 'be carefull with anti-lock system', and 'only do it in a certain sequence', and a thousand different ways to do it -"(suction/power suckers, drain in jar, let gravity do it"... and on and on.
This purge and bleed procedure will be done MANUALLY, no suction tools, no speedbleeders,etc. Just old fashion open valve / push brake /close value/ release brake -- repeat until new clear fluid comes out of each bleed valve.
Can someone confirm this procedure will work without causing any problems to any part of the brake system, and if so, is there in fact a correct sequence?
Everything is GM stock on the 99 C5 - MN6.
Accurate advice sought and appreciated.
~~~~~Many Thanks~~~~~
I need to change out brake fluid to Motul (hi performance fluid), for an upcoming event and need to know for sure if there is anything out of the ordinary in completing this task.
I've heard/read - 'be carefull with anti-lock system', and 'only do it in a certain sequence', and a thousand different ways to do it -"(suction/power suckers, drain in jar, let gravity do it"... and on and on.
This purge and bleed procedure will be done MANUALLY, no suction tools, no speedbleeders,etc. Just old fashion open valve / push brake /close value/ release brake -- repeat until new clear fluid comes out of each bleed valve.
Can someone confirm this procedure will work without causing any problems to any part of the brake system, and if so, is there in fact a correct sequence?
Everything is GM stock on the 99 C5 - MN6.
Accurate advice sought and appreciated.
~~~~~Many Thanks~~~~~
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Straight from the manual. Incidentally, since you have a '99, your bleeding sequence is the traditional RR, LR, RF, LF. 2001+ models use the crossing sequence.
Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding - Manual
Notice
When adding fluid to the brake master cylinder reservoir, use only Delco Supreme 11®, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), 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
Avoid spilling brake fluid onto painted surfaces, electrical connections, wiring, or cables. Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces and cause corrosion to electrical components. If any brake fluid comes in contact with painted surfaces, immediately flush the area with water. If any brake fluid comes in contact with electrical connections, wiring, or cables, use a clean shop cloth to wipe away the fluid.
Place a clean shop cloth beneath the brake master cylinder to prevent brake fluid spills.
With the ignition OFF and the brakes cool, apply the brakes 3-5 times, or until the brake pedal effort increases significantly, in order to deplete the brake booster power reserve.
If you have performed a brake master cylinder bench bleeding on this vehicle, or if you disconnected the brake pipes from the master cylinder, you must perform the following steps:
Ensure that the brake master cylinder reservoir is full to the maximum-fill level. If necessary, add Delco Supreme 11®, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. If removal of the reservoir cap and diaphragm is necessary, clean the outside of the reservoir on and around the cap prior to removal.
With the rear brake pipe installed securely to the master cylinder, loosen and separate the front brake pipe from the front port of the brake master cylinder.
Allow a small amount of brake fluid to gravity bleed from the open port of the master cylinder.
Reconnect the brake pipe to the master cylinder port and tighten securely.
Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal fully and maintain steady pressure on the pedal.
Loosen the same brake pipe to purge air from the open port of the master cylinder.
Tighten the brake pipe, then have the assistant slowly release the brake pedal.
Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 3.3-3.7 until all air is purged from the same port of the master cylinder.
With the front brake pipe installed securely to the master cylinder - after all air has been purged from the front port of the master cylinder - loosen and separate the rear brake pipe from the master cylinder, then repeat steps 3.3-3.8.
After completing the final master cylinder port bleeding procedure, ensure that both of the brake pipe-to-master cylinder fittings are properly tightened.
Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with Delco Supreme 11®, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. Ensure that the brake master cylinder reservoir remains at least half-full during this bleeding procedure. Add fluid as needed to maintain the proper level. Clean the outside of the reservoir on and around the reservoir cap prior to removing the cap and diaphragm.
Install a proper box-end wrench onto the RIGHT REAR wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve.
Submerge the open end of the transparent hose into a transparent container partially filled with Delco Supreme 11®, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal fully and maintain steady pressure on the pedal.
Loosen the bleeder valve to purge air from the wheel hydraulic circuit.
Tighten the bleeder valve, then have the assistant slowly release the brake pedal.
Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 8-10 until all air is purged from the same wheel hydraulic circuit.
With the right rear wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve tightened securely - after all air has been purged from the right rear hydraulic circuit - install a proper box-end wrench onto the LEFT FRONT wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve, then repeat steps 7-11.
With the left front wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve tightened securely - after all air has been purged from the left front hydraulic circuit - install a proper box-end wrench onto the LEFT REAR wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve, then repeat steps 7-11.
With the left rear wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve tightened securely - after all air has been purged from the left rear hydraulic circuit - install a proper box-end wrench onto the RIGHT FRONT wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve, then repeat steps 7-11.
After completing the final wheel hydraulic circuit bleeding procedure, ensure that each of the 4 wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valves are properly tightened.
Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with Delco Supreme 11®, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
Slowly depress and release the brake pedal. Observe the feel of the brake pedal.
If the brake pedal feels spongy, repeat the bleeding procedure again. If the brake pedal still feels spongy after repeating the bleeding procedure, perform the following steps:
Inspect the brake system for external leaks. Refer to Brake System External Leak Inspection .
Pressure bleed the hydraulic brake system in order to purge any air that may still be trapped in the system.
Turn the ignition key ON, with the engine OFF. Check to see if the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated.
Important
DO NOT allow the vehicle to be driven until it is diagnosed and repaired.
If the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated. Refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes .
Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding - Manual
Notice
When adding fluid to the brake master cylinder reservoir, use only Delco Supreme 11®, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), 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
Avoid spilling brake fluid onto painted surfaces, electrical connections, wiring, or cables. Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces and cause corrosion to electrical components. If any brake fluid comes in contact with painted surfaces, immediately flush the area with water. If any brake fluid comes in contact with electrical connections, wiring, or cables, use a clean shop cloth to wipe away the fluid.
Place a clean shop cloth beneath the brake master cylinder to prevent brake fluid spills.
With the ignition OFF and the brakes cool, apply the brakes 3-5 times, or until the brake pedal effort increases significantly, in order to deplete the brake booster power reserve.
If you have performed a brake master cylinder bench bleeding on this vehicle, or if you disconnected the brake pipes from the master cylinder, you must perform the following steps:
Ensure that the brake master cylinder reservoir is full to the maximum-fill level. If necessary, add Delco Supreme 11®, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. If removal of the reservoir cap and diaphragm is necessary, clean the outside of the reservoir on and around the cap prior to removal.
With the rear brake pipe installed securely to the master cylinder, loosen and separate the front brake pipe from the front port of the brake master cylinder.
Allow a small amount of brake fluid to gravity bleed from the open port of the master cylinder.
Reconnect the brake pipe to the master cylinder port and tighten securely.
Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal fully and maintain steady pressure on the pedal.
Loosen the same brake pipe to purge air from the open port of the master cylinder.
Tighten the brake pipe, then have the assistant slowly release the brake pedal.
Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 3.3-3.7 until all air is purged from the same port of the master cylinder.
With the front brake pipe installed securely to the master cylinder - after all air has been purged from the front port of the master cylinder - loosen and separate the rear brake pipe from the master cylinder, then repeat steps 3.3-3.8.
After completing the final master cylinder port bleeding procedure, ensure that both of the brake pipe-to-master cylinder fittings are properly tightened.
Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with Delco Supreme 11®, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. Ensure that the brake master cylinder reservoir remains at least half-full during this bleeding procedure. Add fluid as needed to maintain the proper level. Clean the outside of the reservoir on and around the reservoir cap prior to removing the cap and diaphragm.
Install a proper box-end wrench onto the RIGHT REAR wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve.
Submerge the open end of the transparent hose into a transparent container partially filled with Delco Supreme 11®, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal fully and maintain steady pressure on the pedal.
Loosen the bleeder valve to purge air from the wheel hydraulic circuit.
Tighten the bleeder valve, then have the assistant slowly release the brake pedal.
Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 8-10 until all air is purged from the same wheel hydraulic circuit.
With the right rear wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve tightened securely - after all air has been purged from the right rear hydraulic circuit - install a proper box-end wrench onto the LEFT FRONT wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve, then repeat steps 7-11.
With the left front wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve tightened securely - after all air has been purged from the left front hydraulic circuit - install a proper box-end wrench onto the LEFT REAR wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve, then repeat steps 7-11.
With the left rear wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve tightened securely - after all air has been purged from the left rear hydraulic circuit - install a proper box-end wrench onto the RIGHT FRONT wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve.
Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve, then repeat steps 7-11.
After completing the final wheel hydraulic circuit bleeding procedure, ensure that each of the 4 wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valves are properly tightened.
Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with Delco Supreme 11®, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
Slowly depress and release the brake pedal. Observe the feel of the brake pedal.
If the brake pedal feels spongy, repeat the bleeding procedure again. If the brake pedal still feels spongy after repeating the bleeding procedure, perform the following steps:
Inspect the brake system for external leaks. Refer to Brake System External Leak Inspection .
Pressure bleed the hydraulic brake system in order to purge any air that may still be trapped in the system.
Turn the ignition key ON, with the engine OFF. Check to see if the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated.
Important
DO NOT allow the vehicle to be driven until it is diagnosed and repaired.
If the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated. Refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes .
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
dont use the suction/power suckers, These little vacuums could cause the fluid to seperate in the lines and leave air bubbles.
We use the Power bleeder. Suck all the old brake fluid out of the master cyclinder with a turkey baster or a 50 cc suringe. Dont let the brake fluid drip on anything.
Put in new fluid in the master cyclinder and attach a power bleeder
Pump the Power bleeder up to 10-12 psi and let them bleed your brakes
Incidentally, since you have a '99, your bleeding sequence is the traditional RR, LR, RF, LF. 2001+ models use the crossing sequence.
Drive the car and stomp on the brakes a few times, not too hard, but fiirm and bleed each caliper again. Yes you have to jack up the car and remove the wheels again. Some ppl say you dont need to do this but it is your car and your safty.
The Motul is excellent brake fluid. Buy 5 or 6 litters so you have a small supply.
then before each event take the wheels off and check your pads ( put on your track pads ) and bleed your brakes.
You should be good to go.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,917
Likes: 1,878
From: Hot Springs AR
The short version is, yes, absolutely, you can DIY the old fashioned way. Patches gave a great procedure, although I've never done the master cylinder bleed before.
Main thing is to NOT allow air to get into the system via the master cylinder. That'll introduce air into the ABS, and that's no fun to try to fix.
A power bleeder is nice, as long as it fits, doesn't leak, etc.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Main thing is to NOT allow air to get into the system via the master cylinder. That'll introduce air into the ABS, and that's no fun to try to fix.
A power bleeder is nice, as long as it fits, doesn't leak, etc.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
