2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake bleeding for 4WD ABS

[daveshoe]

Was reading a back issue of the TDR magazine [issue thirty-winter of 2000-2001],and it had a nice article about bleeding brakes . The article warned that the proceedure described was NOT to be used on ABS systems. They said not to worry,they will write the ABS article ''later''

Either I missed it completely ,or the article was never written.

I would like to do this soon,so the brakes will stay happy.

Any advice or links to advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[y-knot]

I have worked on several ABS braking systems, the one on my Dodge included. The main thing to remember is never let the system run out of fluid, and never reverse the flow within the system.

Our trucks are pretty nice to work on,and with those two rules in mind, anyone with simi skills can do brake related services and repaires. IF you are going to be doing a service soon, plan your coarse of action well in advance of the antisipated service. There are many options and up-grades to choose from, so do your homework and go with the plan that suites your needs. I always thought my truck braked well, but had no ideal of it's potential till I re-worked the vehicals braking system. You should consider new fluid and new brake hoses, the fluid get contaminated with use and the hoses get old and week after several years use. To flush the system, remove all the fluid in the resivor and wipe out it needed. Refill with quality fluid (synthetic if possible, it is worth the extra bills) and start at the right rear (this is the furthest fitting in the system) and allow the fluid to drain from the bleed screw, while not allowing the resivor to get to low. Drain till the new fluid is visible, and stop. Repeat this step at all three remaining corners. You will need several pints of brake fluid, so be ready. When you replace the pads, you will have to press the caliper pistons back into their bores, do not allow the fluid to circulated back thru the system. Open the bleed screw and then press them back. You should replace the lines at this time as well, the aftermarket high performance lines offered by EGR and several other companies are great and come highly recomended. Before you start, make sure the resivor is topped off, and plenty of fluid is on hand. Lay out everything needed for the job and be prepared. Remove the old hose and install the new one, use a catch pan to control and catch the fluid, just let it run while you do the exchange and remember to keep an eye on the resivor's level. Repeat for all three hoses on your truck. Same warning on the rear calipers or wheel cylinders, don't allow the fluid to be curculated back thru the system. After all new components are installed, start with the right rear and bleed the system. This opperation is much easier and can be performed by one man with a power bleeder. EGR sells them as well as others, they are great. You wont have any problems with your ABS as long as you follow the two rules and pay attention to what is happening. Buy quality parts, not just cheap ones. This is your vehicals braking system, and quality should be the first consideration. Good luck

 

[Tardog]

Well written !

 

[daveshoe]

Thank you,Y-Not

Great information. I agree about cracking bleeders to compress calipers--the dirty fluid is at its worst at the end of the line. I will look into a pressure bleeder that you described. It seems that I saw a homade one posted here once that may have been a piece of rubber-mabey an innertube clamped over the master cylinder. and bleed her out that way. Seems risky because you could run out of fluid . One thing I like to do is use a piece of tight fitting vinyl tubing over the bleed screw. just arch it upward in a bend and any bubbles show right up. I found a pinhole leak in a brake line using the tube

 

[jcbrown]

Add Accessory for Bleeding Brakes...

Stainless Steel Brake Speed Bleeder's.



Oo.

 

[y-knot]

Yes the self bleeders are great, I use them on the Dodge and like them very much. They run 9-10 bucks for two, so that is not bad. The power bleeder is one of the best tools I have bought in a long time, I think it goes for around 70. 00, but I am not real sure. With it, you have plenty of capacity to bleed, and flush the system, it holds about a gallon of fluid so you don't have to worry about running out of it. And yes it comes with several adapters so you can use it on most other vehicles. Without it, you really have to watch the brake resivor, it does not hold much.

I also use the tubing over the bleeders, it saves from making a mess. I just got some 1/4" silicone tubing, about 2 feet for each corner, and ran them into a catch can. Be very carefull with the brake fluid, it is bad for the skin and will cause paint finish problems.