The following information has been extracted from the Lotus Elan 2+2 Workshop Manual (part number X050T0327ZD)
Section J - Braking System, Page 4
J. 2 - BLEEDING THE SYSTEM.
'Bleeding' is the process of removing air from the pipe line and cylinders and is necessary whenever any part of the system has been disconnected, or the level of fluid in the master cylinder reservoir has been allowed to fall so low that air has been drawn into the master cylinder.
When seals are worn it is possible for air to enter the caliper cylinders without any sign of leaking fluid, and cause a 'spongy' pedal action, which is the usual indication of bubbles of air in the system.
The equipment that is necessary for bleeding is a supply of brake fluid (see Section '0'), a rubber bleed tube and a 7/l6in A/F spanner.
A small spanner should be used as bleed screws should never be overtightened (see 'TECHNICAL DATA').
Fill up the reservoir with the approved fluid direct from the can and the level should be maintained during bleeding.
Bleeding should start at the rear left-hand wheel.
Unscrew the bleed nipple enough to allow the fluid to be pushed out, half a turn, and proceed to each wheel in turn from the farthest to the nearest to the master cylinder, pumping the fluid through until no more bubbles appear then closing the bleed screw on a downward stroke of the pedal.
The pedal should be operated by a succession of rapid long and short strokes.
The pedal is pushed down through its full stroke, followed by two or three short rapid strokes, and then allowed to fly back to the stop with the foot right off.
It is unnecessary to stamp hard on the pedal but a quick full stroke is required.
If the floor mat obstructs the full stroke of the pedal it should be removed.
After all four wheels have been bled check the pedal stroke.
If there is a springy feeling to the pedal bleed again at each nipple to finally confirm that all air has been eliminated,
A slight variation of the routine is favoured by some operators where they prefer to go round the system twice.
The first time (to fill the system) each bleed screw is closed as soon as fluid is being discharged regardless of the small bubbles that may be present.
And the second time round only a few strokes at each bleed screw are needed to finally discharge the air.
Springiness of the brake pedal can have other causes than air in the system.
Flexing of the pedal lever, the pedal mounting or of the master cylinder mounting is not uncommon and can be seen if looked for.
Other causes not so easily seen are badly fitted pads and warped or otherwise distorted pads.
Section J - Braking System, Page 4
J. 2 - BLEEDING THE SYSTEM.
'Bleeding' is the process of removing air from the pipe line and cylinders and is necessary whenever any part of the system has been disconnected, or the level of fluid in the master cylinder reservoir has been allowed to fall so low that air has been drawn into the master cylinder.
When seals are worn it is possible for air to enter the caliper cylinders without any sign of leaking fluid, and cause a 'spongy' pedal action, which is the usual indication of bubbles of air in the system.
The equipment that is necessary for bleeding is a supply of brake fluid (see Section '0'), a rubber bleed tube and a 7/l6in A/F spanner.
A small spanner should be used as bleed screws should never be overtightened (see 'TECHNICAL DATA').
Fill up the reservoir with the approved fluid direct from the can and the level should be maintained during bleeding.
Bleeding should start at the rear left-hand wheel.
Unscrew the bleed nipple enough to allow the fluid to be pushed out, half a turn, and proceed to each wheel in turn from the farthest to the nearest to the master cylinder, pumping the fluid through until no more bubbles appear then closing the bleed screw on a downward stroke of the pedal.
The pedal should be operated by a succession of rapid long and short strokes.
The pedal is pushed down through its full stroke, followed by two or three short rapid strokes, and then allowed to fly back to the stop with the foot right off.
It is unnecessary to stamp hard on the pedal but a quick full stroke is required.
If the floor mat obstructs the full stroke of the pedal it should be removed.
After all four wheels have been bled check the pedal stroke.
If there is a springy feeling to the pedal bleed again at each nipple to finally confirm that all air has been eliminated,
A slight variation of the routine is favoured by some operators where they prefer to go round the system twice.
The first time (to fill the system) each bleed screw is closed as soon as fluid is being discharged regardless of the small bubbles that may be present.
And the second time round only a few strokes at each bleed screw are needed to finally discharge the air.
Springiness of the brake pedal can have other causes than air in the system.
Flexing of the pedal lever, the pedal mounting or of the master cylinder mounting is not uncommon and can be seen if looked for.
Other causes not so easily seen are badly fitted pads and warped or otherwise distorted pads.