To test for contamination, put a small amount of
drained brake fluid in clear glass jar. If fluid sepa-
rates into layers, there is mineral oil or other fluid
contamination of the brake fluid.
If brake fluid is contaminated, drain and thor-
oughly flush system. Replace master cylinder, propor-
tioning valve, caliper seals, wheel cylinder seals,
Antilock Brakes hydraulic unit and all hydraulic
fluid hoses.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
CAUTION: Use only Mopar brake fluid or an equiv-
alent from a tightly sealed container. Brake fluid
must conform to DOT 3 specifications. Do not use
petroleum-based fluid because seal damage in the
brake system will result.
Refer to SERVICE PROCEDURES in the BASE
BRAKE SYSTEM section in this group for the proper
procedure to check and adjust the brake fluid level in
the master cylinder fluid reservoir.
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING
The base brake’s hydraulic system must be bled
anytime air enters the hydraulic system. The ABS
though, particularly the ICU (HCU), should only be
bled when the HCU is replaced or removed from the
vehicle. The ABS must always be bled anytime it is
suspected that the HCU has ingested air. Under
most circumstances that require the bleeding of the
brakes hydraulic system, only the base brake
hydraulic system needs to be bled.
It is important to note that excessive air in the
brake system will cause a soft or spongy feeling
brake pedal.
During the brake bleeding procedure, be sure the
brake fluid level remains close to the FULL level in
the master cylinder fluid reservoir. Check the fluid
level periodically during the bleeding procedure and
add DOT 3 brake fluid as required.
The ABS must be bled as two independent braking
systems. The non-ABS portion of the brake system
with ABS is to be bled the same as any non-ABS sys-
tem.
The ABS portion of the brake system must be bled
separately. Use the following procedure to properly
bleed the brake hydraulic system including the ABS.
BLEEDING
When bleeding the ABS system, the following
bleeding sequence must be followed to insure com-
plete and adequate bleeding.
(1) Make sure all hydraulic fluid lines are installed
and properly torqued.
(2) Connect the DRB scan tool to the diagnostics
connector. The diagnostic connector is located under
the lower steering column cover to the left of the
steering column.
(3) Using the DRB, check to make sure the CAB
does not have any fault codes stored. If it does, clear
them using the DRB.
WARNING: WHEN BLEEDING THE BRAKE SYSTEM
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. A CLEAR BLEED TUBE
MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE BLEEDER SCREWS
AND SUBMERGED IN A CLEAR CONTAINER FILLED
PART WAY WITH CLEAN BRAKE FLUID. DIRECT
THE FLOW OF BRAKE FLUID AWAY FROM YOUR-
SELF AND THE PAINTED SURFACES OF THE VEHI-
CLE. BRAKE FLUID AT HIGH PRESSURE MAY
COME OUT OF THE BLEEDER SCREWS WHEN
OPENED.
(4) Bleed the base brake system using the stan-
dard pressure or manual bleeding procedure as out-
lined in SERVICE PROCEDURES in the BASE
BRAKE SYSTEM section at the beginning of this
group.
(5) Using the DRB, select ANTILOCK BRAKES,
followed by MISCELLANEOUS, then BLEED
BRAKES. Follow the instructions displayed. When
the scan tool displays TEST COMPLETED, discon-
nect the scan tool and proceed.
(6) Bleed the base brake system a second time.
Check brake fluid level in the reservoir periodically
to prevent emptying, causing air to enter the hydrau-
lic system.
(7) Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the full
level.
(8) Test drive the vehicle to be sure the brakes are
operating correctly and that the brake pedal does not
feel spongy.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
Review this entire section prior to performing any
mechanical work on a vehicle equipped with ABS.
This section contains information on precautions per-
taining to potential component damage, vehicle dam-
age and personal injury which could result when
servicing an ABS equipped vehicle.
5 - 68 BRAKES LH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
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