Brakes

[Norm Clemmer]

Does anyone know how difficult it is to bleed the brakes on a C5? I bought a new brake set today and am thinking about doing it myself. Bleeding the brakes is the only thing I am worried about.

[Tony B.96LT4]

If you're only putting pads on you don't have to bleed the brakes but if your fluid is getting dark then I'd do it. To bleed brakes:
Open bleeder, I think it's a 10mm wrench, and have you helper press on the brake slow till it hits the floor. Close bleeder. Tell helper to take their foot off brake. Open bleeder and have helper press on brake slow till it hits the floor again. Repeat till you have fresh fluid coming from the bleeder. Just make sure you check often to see if there is fluid in your master cylinder otherwise you'll be pumping air into the system. A piece of tubing that fits over the bleeder nipple and long enough to reach a bottle on the floor makes the job less messy.

If you don't have anyone to help you, you'll need a vacuum pump like MityVac. Makes the job easy. Do pass side rear first, then drivers side rear. Pass side front then drivers side front. I usually do the circuit again just to make sure all air is out and fresh fluid is in the lines. Top off Master cylinder and you're done.

[carboman]

Piece - O - cake with two people. Make sure to attach a hose to the bleed valve to drain off the fluid into a can or something.