Chrysler Concorde 2004 Service Manual page 1471

LH
BRAKES - BASE BRAKE SYSTEM (Continued)
(5) Starting at the first wheel circuit as listed ear-
lier, attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw at that
wheels brake caliper or wheel cylinder and feed the
other end of hose into a clear jar containing enough
fresh brake fluid to submerge the end of the hose
(Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Proper Method for Purging Air From Brake
1 - CLEAR HOSE
2 - BRAKE CALIPER
3 - BLEEDER SCREW
4 - CLEAN BRAKE FLUID
CAUTION: Open the bleeder screw at least one full
turn when instructed. Some air may be trapped in
the brake lines or valves far upstream, as far as ten
feet or more from the bleeder screw (Fig. 3). If the
bleeder screw is not opened sufficiently, fluid flow
is restricted causing a slow, weak fluid discharge.
This will NOT get all the air out. Therefore, it is
essential to open the bleeder screw at least one full
turn to allow a fast, large volume discharge of
brake fluid.
(6) Open bleeder screw (Fig. 2) at least one full
turn or more to obtain an adequate flow of brake
fluid.
(7) After 4 to 8 ounces of brake fluid has been bled
through the brake hydraulic circuit, and an air-free
flow (no bubbles) is maintained in the clear plastic
hose and jar, close the bleeder screw.
(8) Bleed the remaining wheel circuits in the same
manner until all air is removed from the brake
hydraulic system.
(9) Check brake pedal travel. If pedal travel is
excessive or has not improved, some air may still be
trapped in the hydraulic system. Rebleed the brake
system as necessary.
(10) Reinstall all 4 bleeder screw dust caps.
(11) Test drive vehicle to ensure brakes are operat-
ing properly and pedal feel is correct.
BRAKES - BASE BRAKE SYSTEM 5 - 5
Fig. 3 Trapped Air in Brake Line
1 - TRAPPED AIR
MANUAL BLEEDING METHOD
NOTE: To bleed the base brake system manually, an
assistants help is required.
(1) Remove rubber duct caps from all 4 bleeder
screws.
(2) Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw at one
wheel and feed the other end of the hose into a clear
jar containing fresh brake fluid (Fig. 2).
(3) Have an assistant pump the brake pedal three
or four times and hold it down before the bleeder
screw is opened.
CAUTION: Open the bleeder screw at least one full
turn when instructed. Some air may be trapped in
the brake lines or valves far upstream, as far as ten
feet or more from the bleeder screw (Fig. 3). If the
bleeder screw is not opened sufficiently, fluid flow
is restricted causing a slow, weak fluid discharge.
This will NOT get all the air out. Therefore, it is
essential to open the bleeder screw at least one full
turn to allow a fast, large volume discharge of
brake fluid.
(4) While the pedal is being held down, open the
bleeder screw at least 1 full turn. When the bleeder
screw opens the brake pedal will drop all the way to
the floor. Continue to hold the pedal all the way
down.
(5) Once the brake pedal has dropped, close the
bleeder screw. The pedal can then be released.
(6) Repeat steps (1) through (5) until all trapped air
is removed from that wheel circuit (usually four or five
times). This should pass a sufficient amount of fluid to
expel all the trapped air from the brakes hydraulic sys-
tem. Be sure to monitor brake fluid level in master cyl-
inder fluid reservoir, to ensure it stays at a proper level.
This will ensure air does not reenter brake hydraulic
system through master cylinder.