Air Bleeding of Brake System

NOTE:

Using improper or contaminated brake fluid can cause brake system failure. Using shock absorber fluid or any other fluid that contains mineral oil for the brake fluid will cause the rubber parts in the brake hydraulic system to swell or distort. If water is mixed in the brake fluid, the boiling point will be lowered.
- Use only the specified brake fluid from a sealed container.
- Do not use a container that has been used for a mineral oil or is wet with water for refilling the brake system.
- Keep all fluid containers capped to prevent contamination and entry of moisture.
Brake fluid is extremely damaging to painted surfaces. If brake fluid contacts a painted surface, immediately wipe it off and flush the surface thoroughly with water.

Air bleeding operation is necessary whenever air enters into brake hydraulic lines. Brake hydraulic lines are made of diagonally split construction. If any brake pipe or hose is disconnected, bleed the disconnected line at both ends of the line.

NOTE: Perform bleeding operation starting from wheel cylinder farthest from brake master cylinder and then at front caliper of the same brake line.

Fig 1: Brake Air Bleeding System Diagram

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

Fill brake master cylinder reservoir with new brake fluid and keep fluid level at least one-half of full level during bleeding operation.
Brake fluid

Refer to reservoir cap (1) of brake master cylinder or owner's manual.

Fig 2: Identifying Reservoir Cap
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove bleeder plug cap. Attach a vinyl tube (1) to bleeder plug, and insert the other end into container (2).

Fig 3: Attaching Vinyl Tube To Bleeder Plug
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Depress brake pedal several times, and then while holding it depressed, loosen bleeder plug about one-half turn.
When fluid pressure from bleeder plug depleted, retighten bleeder plug.
Repeat this operation until air is completely removed from hydraulic line.

Fig 4: Loosening Bleeder Plug
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
After removing air completely, tighten bleeder plug to specified torque while keeping brake pedal depressed.
- Front: FRONT BRAKE COMPONENTS
- Rear: REAR BRAKE COMPONENTS
  
  Fig 5: Tightening Bleeder Plug
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Attach bleeder plug cap.
After completing bleeding operation, apply fluid pressure to brake lines and check for leakage.
Replenish new fluid into reservoir up to specified level. Refer to BRAKE FLUID LEVEL INSPECTION
Check brake pedal stroke. If the stroke is so large, repeat entire procedure of bleeding.