Hydraulic brake system bleed air

Operation 0010T65 · Vehicle oil and fluids

The air in the hydraulic circuit acts as a bearing, absorbing a large part of the pressure exerted by the brake pump and reducing the efficiency of the braking. The air is felt in terms of the 'spongy' sensation at the brake pedal and the reduction in the braking capacity.

1.2 8v, 1.2 16v, 1.4 16v

Place the car on a lift.

Using the dipstick, check that the brake-clutch fluid level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.

1. Remove the brake-clutch fluid reservoir cap and connect the equipment to the reservoir.

2. Remove the protective cap on the brake caliper bleed valve.

3. Connect the collection system (pipe and reservoir) to the bleed valve on the brake caliper.

Open the bleed valve.

4. Slowly open the fluid reservoir cock.

Wait until all the air contained in the hydraulic system has emerged.

Close the brake caliper bleed valve.

Repeat the above operations for the other brake caliper and the two rear brake cylinders.

During the bleeding, refill the brake fluid reservoir, as necessary.

The brake fluid recovered should not be reused. The level should always be topped up with new fluid.

If, after having carried out the bleeding operation, the system is not fully operational, repeat the entire procedure after having waited several hours for the brake fluid to settle down in the system.

Remove the vehicle from the lift.

1.3 JTD

Place the car on a lift.

Using the dipstick, check that the brake-clutch fluid level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.

1. Remove the brake-clutch fluid reservoir cap and connect the equipment to the reservoir.

2. Remove the protective cap on the brake caliper bleed valve.

3. Connect the collection system (pipe and reservoir) to the bleed valve on the brake caliper.

Open the bleed valve.

4. Slowly open the fluid reservoir cock.

Wait until all the air contained in the hydraulic system has emerged.

Close the brake caliper bleed valve.

Repeat the above operations for the other brake caliper and the two rear brake cylinders.

During the bleeding, refill the brake fluid reservoir, as necessary.

The brake fluid recovered should not be reused. The level should always be topped up with new fluid.

If, after having carried out the bleeding operation, the system is not fully operational, repeat the entire procedure after having waited several hours for the brake fluid to settle down in the system.

Remove the vehicle from the lift.