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What is the brake bleeding sequence on a 2004 Silverado?

The brake bleeding sequence is a crucial maintenance task for a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado to ensure the braking system is functioning properly. Bleeding the brakes removes any air bubbles that may have entered the hydraulic system, which can compromise braking performance and safety.


Step-by-Step Brake Bleeding Sequence



  1. Park the Silverado on a level surface and apply the parking brake.

  2. Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the hood and check the fluid level. Top up the reservoir if necessary, using the recommended brake fluid type.

  3. Start with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder, which is typically the right rear wheel. Attach a clear plastic hose to the brake caliper bleed screw and submerge the other end in a container filled with clean brake fluid.

  4. Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal while you open the bleed screw. Allow the fluid to flow until no more air bubbles are visible, then close the bleed screw.

  5. Repeat the bleeding process for the remaining wheels in the following order: left rear, right front, left front.

  6. After bleeding all four wheels, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top it up if necessary.

  7. Test the brake pedal feel and ensure it is firm and responsive. If the pedal feels spongy, repeat the bleeding process.


Proper brake bleeding is essential for maintaining the safety and performance of your 2004 Chevrolet Silverado. Following this sequence ensures the entire brake system is free of air bubbles and ready for reliable braking.

How do you bleed GM brakes with ABS?


To bleed a GM ABS system, you'll likely need a professional scan tool to activate the ABS solenoids while you manually bleed the brakes at each wheel. The general procedure involves using the scan tool to run the automated bleed process, which will cycle the valves, followed by a manual bleeding process (typically starting with the right rear wheel) to purge the air. After manually bleeding all four wheels, repeat the scan tool's automated sequence to ensure all air is purged and the pedal feels firm.
 
Using a scan tool

  1. Connect: the scan tool to the vehicle's OBD-II port. 
  2. Navigate: to the "ABS Bleeding" or "Automated Bleed Procedure" function in the tool's special functions menu. 
  3. Follow: the scan tool's prompts. This will involve turning the ignition to the "on" position but not starting the engine. 
  4. Allow: the scan tool to activate the ABS pump and solenoids. This is a crucial step to push trapped air out of the ABS module. 
  5. Manually bleed: the brakes at each wheel as the scan tool directs you. The typical sequence is right rear, left rear, right front, and left front. 
  6. Open: the bleeder screw at the wheel you're working on, and pump the brake pedal until it's firm. Close the bleeder screw before the pedal goes to the floor. 
  7. Repeat: the process for all four wheels, ensuring you keep the master cylinder reservoir topped off to prevent new air from entering the system. 
  8. Follow: the scan tool's instructions to end the process after the manual bleeds are complete. 
  9. Test: the brake pedal for a firm feel and proper function. 
  10. Check: for any diagnostic trouble codes and clear them if necessary. 

Without a scan tool (less effective for air in the ABS module) 
  • Bleeding the brake lines without a scan tool to activate the ABS pump may be insufficient if a significant amount of air has entered the ABS module itself. 
  • A traditional two-person bleeding method (or a pressure bleeder) can be used to bleed the brake lines, but this may not remove all the air from the ABS hydraulic unit. 
  • For some systems, after the manual bleed is complete, driving the vehicle above 333 mph will allow the ABS controller to reset and push some air out. You may need to re-bleed the brakes if the pedal still feels soft. 



How to bleed the brakes on a 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500?


Please. This on there okay got my hose set up can see the fluid coming out of here. Go ahead and pump please.



What is the bleeding sequence for the brakes on a 2004 Chevy Silverado?


The most common bleeding procedure is to bleed the brake furthest from the master cylinder first, then bleed the other brake that shares the same hydraulic circuit (which may be the other rear brake on a rear-wheel drive car or truck, or the opposite front brake on a front-wheel drive car or minivan).



What are the common mistakes when bleeding brakes Chevy Silverado 1500?


Some common mistakes DIYers make when bleeding the brakes include using the incorrect brake fluid type, spilling brake fluid on brake pads, overfilling the master cylinder reservoir, and more.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.