Last week we covered:
- The history of the Prius used in this write-up
- Where the master cylinder reservoir is and how to remove the cap
- The importance of the master cylinder cap
- A brief overview of the brake system
- How to properly prime the reverse brake bleeding tool
- How to get started with reverse bleeding on the hybrid vehicle
- How to proceed with bleeding the system
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 10Step 10
Fill the bleeder bottle from a clean unopened container of the correct type of brake fluid. In this case the vehicle specified DOT 3.
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 11Step 11
Next, put the cap containing the pickup tube onto the bottle.
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 12Step 12
After tightening the cap, install the return line onto the open cap connection.
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 13Step 13
Next, prime the hoses by pumping the bleeder handle until you have a solid stream of fluid flowing.
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 14Step 14
After filling the hose with fluid, attach a bleeder valve end to the hose.
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 15Step 15
With the bleeder ready to go, loosen the bleeder valve on the first component in the bleed sequence.
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 16Step 16
Squeeze the handle of the bleeder slightly to be sure the hose and bleeder end is full of fluid then place your finger over the bleeder end.
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 17Step 17
Place the bleeder valve end of the hose over the bleeder valve, which has been opened and will allow fluid to flow through it.
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 18Step 18
Pump the handle of the bleeder which forces fluid from the filled bottle through the bleeder and into the hydraulic circuit for this specific wheel.
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 19Step 19
After bleeding the first wheel in the bleed sequence, the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir was checked and it was noted that the level was increased from when starting the bleeding. This was proof positive that the fluid was flowing upstream through the system.
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 20Step 20
The remaining wheels were then bleed flowing the bleed sequence stated in specifications. On the drum brake rear wheels the wheel cylinder bleeder valve was opened and the same procedure as on the front was applied.
How to Bleed a Hybrid Step 21Step 21
After tightening the bleeder valve, the rubber cap was reinstalled. This is important as it prevents moisture from entering the center of the bleed valve and corroding the seat area of the bleeder valve.
This covers this week's post. Come back next week to discover how to finish up with the bleeding of the hybrid vehicle.
