Brake Fluid Flush and Bleed Tutorial: 2004 Chevy Astro

This Basic Maintenance Series tutorial shows you how to flush and then bleed the hydraulic brake system, including a deep cleaning of the brake fluid reservoir. The vehicle for this video is a 2004 Chevy Astro.

[@HippieDave351]

Manual says to start with the right rear brake, farthest from the master cylinder, then left rear, right front and finally the left front. This will ensure no bubbles, and fresh fluid.
Enjoyed your video on this simple procedure, wich my 99 astro had rear disc brakes!

[@georgeb1364]

Thanks for you videos. One thing I might add. It is good practice to push a length of 1/4 inch clear tubing to the bleeder valve and put the other end of the tube into a clear bottle. You look for the fluid to run clear and, most important, no more air bubbles in fluid. You can see the bubbles, if any , coming out of the hose in the bottle just like blowing bubbles with a straw.

[@kidsoncampus3386]

That's an awesome tip, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@carcasscruncher9354]

I didnt know there was a reservoir for front and back brakes. Good to know

[@TheTheratfarmer]

thanks for the videos on the 04 chevy astro van rear brake rotors, calipers and pads.

[@DadVanture]

nice and informational, thanks and good job!

[@Juancarlos-wz7nj]

So for bleed the brakes u have to do rear brakes only?

[@kidsoncampus3386]

Sorry for taking so long to respond: I only showed the rear brakes in this video, but you should bleed all of the brakes when doing a fluid change. All four brake bleeder valves operate the same. It's best to bleed from the furthest from the fluid reservoir to the closest; on this van, that's the passenger rear first, then the driver rear, then the passenger front, then the driver front.

[@lofadem]

I’m not getting any fluid on my rear brakes any suggestions I think it must b the abs but any ideas on what could b the issue exactly

[@GordoYoshi]

Bypassing the abs maybe the abs is bad

[@rubenbarraza1879]

Can you help me? Parking brake light and abs are on parking brake is not working

[@m.merriman7692]

Brake and ABS lights are a common issue for these Astros due to issues with the solder in the original parts. Look into either reflowing the solder points of the ABS control module (search Astro ABS repair) or replace the ABS control module with one designed to prevent the issue from recurring (Dorman 599867). It is also advised to flush the brake system when replacing the ABS module.

[@sigborja161]

Good info, but why are we wearing a mask?.

[@joelrunyan1608]

Wrong. Step 1. Never use open bottles of brake fluid... especially for this. Especially if the open bottle has been sitting for a long time.