This information can be found in the Workshop Manual, TSD4700 sections G3-5 & G5-1. Please do not attempt any work on the hydraulic system without reading or being able to refer to this manual.

Step-By-Step Procedure (2 Persons Required)

Procedure to De-pressurise the system

Step 1. Open the bleed screws A and B (see Fig. G5-2) one full turn on both accumulators (see below Fig. G9-2) there is no bleed tube required as these bleed internally and allow sufficient time for the mineral fluid to return to the reservoir.  

Step 2. Switch on the ignition and check that ‘1 Brake Pressure’ and ‘2 Brake Pressure’ warning lights on the dashboard are illuminated.

Step 3. De-pressurise the rear struts/dampers at bleed screw J (see Fig. G5-2), attach a bleed tube and bleed until fluid is free of air bubbles, once free of air bubbles close bleed screw.

Procedure to bleed the hydraulic system.

Step 1. Remove fuse A6 from fuse panel F2 on the main fuse board.

Step 2. Open bleed screws A and B on the accumulator bodies.

Step 3. Check gear lever is in ‘P’ position and start and run the engine at 1500rpm for one minute, check the ‘1 Brake Pressure’ and ‘2 Brake Pressure’ warning lights on the dashboard are illuminated.

Step 4. Switch off the engine.

Step 5. Close bleed screws A and B.

Step 6. Attach bleed tubes to bleed screws C, D and E (plus K and L for 1989 model year cars)

Step 7. Depress the brake pedal.

Step 8. Start and run the engine at 1000rpm.

Step 9. Allow bleed screws C, D and E (plus K and L if applicable) to bleed until free of air.

Step 10. Attach bleed tubes to bleed screws F and G and allow bleeding to start.

Step 11. Close bleed screws C, D and E (plus K and L if applicable).

Step 12. Allow bleed screws F and G bleed until free of air.

Step 13. Attach bleed tubes to bleed screws H and I and allow bleeding to start.

Step 14. Close bleed screws F and G.

Step 15. Allow bleed screws H and I to bleed until free of air.

Step 16. Close bleed screws H and I.

Step 17. Release brake pedal.

Step 18. With the car on the ground add weight to the rear of the car (use your assistant to sit in the boot/trunk) to compress the rear suspension to activate the levelling system.

Step 19. Attach bleed tube to bleed screw J and bleed until free of air.

Step 20. Close bleed screw J.

Step 21. Check fluid levels in reservoirs and top-up, as necessary.

Step 22. Switch off engine.

Step 23. Check all bleed screws have dust covers fitted.

Step 24. Refit fuse A6 to fuse board.