Bleeding brakes - any special instructions?

[Hans Delbruck]

I'm bleeding the brakes this weekend. Are there any "special" procedures to follow for the C5 Z06, or is it like most other cars? Normally I would do them in this order... RR, LR, RF LF (furthest to the master cylinder first). Also, what is the correct size wrench for the bleeder valve?

I'll be doing it the old-fashioned way, with someone in the car pumping the pedal.

Thanks!

[DJWorm]

The proper sequence is different due to the solenoids and ABS

RR -> LF -> LR -> RF

Some other "pearls" are to:

- Always do a brake bleed when hot
- Use a rubber mallet to bang the calipers while bleeding, freeing up trapped air.

Chevy has issued a TSB describing a 3 step bleeding process for tracked cars to free air from the solenoids.
1. Bleed as above
2. Turn ignition ON, wait 1 minute and rebleed
3. Turn ignition OFF and rebleed

Speedbleeders are a cheap convienience about $12 a wheel
www.speedbleeder.com

Pegasus and Mallett Cars have a nice little brake bleed bottle that makes the chore a snap and keeps things tidy.
www.mallettcars.com
www.pegasusautoracing.com

If you are changing fluid to a racing type you must also bleed the ABS as well. To do this you will need a Tech II Analyser to activate and bleed the ABS in the proper sequence and completely. These are found at your local Dealer and good brake shops.

If for some reason you are bleeding the Master Cylinder as well there is a procedure on this forum. Just do a Master Cylinder Bleed "Search"

[Hans Delbruck]

Thank you very much DJ Worm for the definitive brake bleeding guide. I have searched but did not find this info.

Thank you!

[Subdriver]

Just as a note, I found out about the procedure mentioned by DJ above early this year. I tried it several times and noted no extra air coming out and no difference in pedal feel, so I stopped doing it and only bleed once after each session with ignition off (mostly to save time and brake fluid).

If I haven't bleed for a long time, like at the start of the season, I will follow the above advice and do suggest you follow it if you only bleed occasionally. But for those that track and bleed often, I personally haven't found any benefit to the above.