Brake bleed help

[Aquabrit]

2 weeks ago i ordered the televes iv brake bleeder from thexton, via a link from a past post. Anyway i called them today to find out what was going on only to be told that they dont make it any more and havent done so for a long time. So, how will i bleed my brakes? Anyone know if there are any other systems available or ways to make the ABS pump cycle?

Thanks, Martin.

 

[Psychostang]

Unless you have a tester to hook up to the abs connector in the engine compartment, I would suggest finding a wet road surface, and make a panic stop. This way the abs will activate on its own. Just remember, that when you bleed the wheel cylinders, that the MKVIII uses a cross system. Lt rear/right front - right rear/left front.

 

[Calabrio]

Well you can still bleed your brakes with a one person brake bleeding kit or a vacuum pump.
$40

or even something as simple as this:
$7

As for the ABS, you can actually just go out on a dusty road and try to lock up your brakes, that'll actually remove the air from the ABS if it were to develop.

 

[Aquabrit]

Thanks for your reply, AHD. Can i buy such a tester to hook to the ABS? The wet road method doesnt sound like such a good idea as 1. the brakes could fail. 2. the pump would only cycle for a few seconds at a time and wouldnt allow me to expel the air. Any way to power the pump directly by using a jumper wire or whatever? Could a local dealer do it?

 

[Calabrio]

If you're just flushed the brakes the conventional way, it's doubtful you have much, if any, air in the ABS pump.

 

[Aquabrit]

Thanks guys. The problem is, calabrio that im replacing 2 brake lines between the m/cyl and the pump so air getting in there would be likely. I know what you mean though. Just wondering of way to 'trick' the pump and make it cycle without resorting to deserted roads. Anyone got a televes iv they wanna sell?

 

[Psychostang]

Your brakes will not fail. Once you replace the lines and bleed the system, just find a deserted road and stop from like 30mph. YOu dont need to go fast, you just want the unit to activate. When it does this, it automatically bleeds itself. I'm sure a good dealer would be able to do it, but at what cost.

 

[chicken]

uh..... i wouldn't try the dusy/wet road idea, uneven braking is a beiotch, epically in a panic stop. the only way i know of to do it is either buy the ford IDS for around $9000 and do a abs pump cycle, or pay the dealer around 75 bux

 

[Aquabrit]

Your brakes will not fail. Once you replace the lines and bleed the system, just find a deserted road and stop from like 30mph. YOu dont need to go fast, you just want the unit to activate. When it does this, it automatically bleeds itself. I'm sure a good dealer would be able to do it, but at what cost.

Thanks, AHD. I didnt know the pump self bleeds, i was under the impression that cycling the pump would just circulate the fluid and air would need to be expelled at the nipples.

Chickenviii, im living next to a mall so i could use the car park late at night for some shenanigans without killing myself. (hopefully-LOL) If that doesnt work then shall do as you said. Man, them tools are expensive! Anyway, thanks for all your input guys-much appreciated!

 

[Moes8]

lets not forget that the traction control cycles the abs pump as well.

jack rear of car up securely,front tires on ground,start engine ,put into drive with traction control on,the pump will activate when the rear tires start turning,

as the car believes that the rear tires are slipping with no forward movement sensed at the front wheels,you will hear the abs pump/system "going to town",thats how i did it,it should work everytime,unless i just got lucky when i tried it.

 

[Aquabrit]

Thanks Moes8! That sounds like a fantastic idea! I completely forgot that the Traction Assist uses the ABS. Will try that!

 

[Roadboss]

I also used the Super Blue Brake Fluid that made it easier to see that all the fliud was exchange.

 

[Aquabrit]

I also used the Super Blue Brake Fluid that made it easier to see that all the fliud was exchange.

Good idea too! I will look out for that next time. (i already purchased some dot 4 to put in) Just need to get hold of a couple of brake pipes and im set to do it.