Major_Lee_Slow

iTrader: (1)

So I should get my "new to me" ABS brake module tonight and hopefully I get it all installed. Now I've heard that when a new module is put it it has to be cycled to get all the air out of it, and the only way to cycle it is with a Tech II or another equivalent scan tool. So I gave the local dealer a call and can you believe that they want $188.00 just to bleed the brakes which includes cycling the ABS module?!?

There's gotta be a better way. Any suggestions?

sroach20

iTrader: (31)

this is what i did:
http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_bleeding_abs.shtml
i bled the system, drove around mashing the brakes, and re-bled.

Major_Lee_Slow

iTrader: (1)

How did that work out for you? I am considering it....

sroach20

iTrader: (31)

it felt like it worked, my brakes operated like they were supposed to. of course i did this when i did the c5 upgrade.

Major_Lee_Slow

iTrader: (1)

Well, if all you did was swap calipers and were carefull not to let the fluid level drop too far then you probably didn't introduce any air into the ABS module. The module I'm gonna put in is probably bone dry or pretty darn close (I saw probably cause I'm still waiting on FedEX).

sroach20

iTrader: (31)

mine had air when i did the motor swap, i did the calipers a little while later. i drove with spongy brakes for a while.

MrEddie

When the dealer (or whoever) uses a techII, are they cycling the ABS with the bleeder open? It seems that stomping on the brakes on a wet street to activiate the ABS wouldn't push the air out of the ABS since the bleeder is closed.

Greekey

iTrader: (3)

Major, this happened to me this past summer. All I did was go for a drive and slam the brakes to cycle the abs. Came home then re-bled the brake system. My brakes are doing just fine. Tech 2 tool is complete bullshit.

Darth Cypher

I'm glad I read this. I'm thinking about doing some maintenance on my brake system. Planning on changing the lines over to stainless steel braided lines, change the pads and rotors and either going to inspect/clean the calipers or change them out.

So if by chance any of this introduces air into the ABS/TCS, I don't have to go to the stealership to cycle the ABS/TCS and pay them with my arm or leg?

Greekey

iTrader: (3)

I never stepped foot in the stealership and my brakes stop on the dime.

Ericbigmac83

iTrader: (19)

Whats abs??

Greekey

iTrader: (3)

Anti-Lock Brake System

Darth Cypher

I know right? I hardly ever use it myself. But I don't want air coming from the ABS module into my normal brakes. So as long as I keep fluid in the master cylinder while working on whatever in the system, the ABS module should never get air in it?

Ericbigmac83

iTrader: (19)

^ correct

9t8z28

iTrader: (19)

Did this method work for the poster?

9t8z28

iTrader: (19)

Nevermind. I figured it out!

I could not bleed the front brakes after I re-installed the K-member after it had been out for 2 weeks. All I got was air. I tried everything!

I actually though about trying to drive it (and lock up the brakes) but the thought of taking it off of the stands only to put it back on seemed like a waste of energy.

I got the block to bleed by turning the key to on and spinning each front wheel by hand as fast as I could while you have someone alternate tapping the brake lightly and then holding light pressure. The block instantly bleed out the air. Lastly I bled the front, left and right calipers and the brakes are back 100%

I am not sure if this will work for all systems but it worked for me, and I'm not sure if it would work for rear single channel axles, although it should..