Posted by Support Staff on 24th Apr 2017

How to Bleeding the Brake System on Camaro and Firebird - ABS Brakes with WITH Traction Control

Notice: Use only DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. Do not use any fluid from a container which is wet with water. Do not use DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. Improper brake fluid, mineral oil or water in the fluid may cause the brake fluid to boil or the rubber components to deteriorate. Keep all fluid containers capped to prevent contamination.

Important: In the following procedure, use a suitable container or shop cloths in order to catch and prevent the brake fluid from contacting any painted surfaces.

Clean the brake fluid reservoir cover and the surrounding area.
Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
Inspect the brake fluid level. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
Prime the ABS brake modulator. Use the following procedure.

5.1.	Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the rearward bleeder valve on the ABS hydraulic modulator.

Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.

5.2.	Slowly open the rearward bleeder valve one half to one full turn.
5.3.	Depress the brake pedal. Hold the pedal until the fluid begins to flow.
5.4.	Close the valve. Release the brake pedal.

Important: Once the fluid is visibly flowing from both ABS hydraulic modulator bleeder valves, the ABS brake modulator is sufficiently full of fluid. However, it may not be completely purged of air. At this point, move to the wheel brakes and bleed the brakes. This ensures that the lowest points in the system are completely free of air. The ABS brake modulator may then be purged of any remaining air.

5.5.	Repeat the previous three steps until air bubbles are no longer present.
5.6.	Relocate the bleeder hose on the forward ABS hydraulic modulator bleeder valve.

Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
Then, repeat the previous four steps.

Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level, if necessary.
Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle.

Important: Bleed sequence:

Right rear
Left front
Right front
Left rear

Bleed the wheel brakes in the sequence shown above. Use the following procedure:

10.1.

Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the bleeder valve at each wheel.

Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.

10.2.	Open the bleeder valve.
10.3.	Slowly depress the brake pedal.
10.4.	Close the valve. Slowly release the brake pedal.
10.5.	Wait 5 seconds. Tap lightly on the caliper or braking plate with a rubber mallet in order to assist in freeing any trapped air.
10.6.	Repeat the previous four steps until the brake pedal feels firm at half travel and no air bubbles are visible in the bleeder hose.

Continuing with the scan tool, press ENTER in order to initialize the TCS modulator for bleeding. Follow the instructions on the scan tool as directed.

Important: Follow this procedure in order to ensure that all air is removed from the TCS hydraulic modulator.

Bleed the rear wheel brakes only. Use the procedure below:

12.1.

Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the right rear wheel bleeder valve.

Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.

12.2.	Slowly open the bleeder valve.
12.3.	Slowly depress the brake pedal.
12.4.	Close the valve when the fluid begins to flow without any air bubbles. Tap lightly on the caliper or backing plate in order to dislodge any trapped air bubbles.

Relocate the bleeder hose to the left rear wheel bleeder valve.
Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
Then, repeat the previous three steps.

Lower the vehicle.
Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
Bleed the ABS hydraulic modulator. Use the following procedure:

17.1.

Attach a clear plastic bleeder hose to the rearward bleeder valve on the ABS hydraulic modulator.

Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.

17.2.	Depress the brake pedal with moderate force.
17.3	Slowly open the rearward bleeder valve one half to one full tom. Allow the fluid to flow.
17.4.	Close the valve. Slowly release the brake pedal.
17.5.	Wait 5 seconds.
17.6.	Repeat the previous four steps until air bubbles are no longer visible in the bleeder hose.

NOTICE: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.

17.7.

Relocate the bleeder hose on the forward ABS hydraulic modulator bleeder valve.

Submerge the opposite hose end in a clean container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
Then, repeat the previous five steps.
Tighten the ABS hydraulic modulator bleeder valves to 9 Nm (80 inch lbs.) .

Remove the brake fluid reservoir cover.
Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the correct level if necessary.
Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position. Apply the brake pedal with moderate force and hold. Note the pedal travel and feel.

21.1.	If the pedal feels firm and constant and pedal travel is not excessive, start the engine.
21.2.	With the engine running, recheck the pedal travel.
21.3.	If the pedal still feels firm and constant and pedal travel is not excessive, road test the vehicle.

Make several normal (non-ABS) stops from a moderate speed in order to ensure proper brake system function. Allow adequate cooling time between stops.

If pedal feels soft or has excessive travel either initially or after starting the engine, repeat previous procedures:
Road test the vehicle. Make several normal (non-ABS) stops from a moderate speed in order to ensure proper brake system function. Allow adequate cooling time between stops.