2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Help needed to properly finish brake job

[americana]

I changed the brakes on Olga last night (I haven't done it in a couple of years and it took longer than usual), and I want to finish it off properly and bleed the brakes.



Unknowingly I have been forgetting to bleed the ABS units (front and rear) so this time I want to do things right. Problem is, I don't know where they'd be. The Haynes manual mentions them, but doesn't even show what they look like. Are the locations and units shown in the Dodge Manual? I have one in my father's garage with my wheeled tool chest (I only have a car/truck port). I'll look this weekend. However, if it isn't covered in the Dodge manual, can someone guide me to them? Anyone got a pic of them?



Any help is appreciated,



Thanks in advance.

 

[DLausche]

Mine doesn't have ABS, but I am pretty sure it is located on the drivers side inner fender right behind the fuse box and right next to the master cylinder. Look for a bunch of brake lines and electrical wires going into one component.



I'm not sure about our trucks, but on cars I've worked on there is one ABS unit for both front and rear and it usually takes some special tool (OBD?) to activate the motor in the ABS unit for proper bleeding. I bled a Subaru ABS a few years ago without their special diagnostic tools by bleeding all the air out and then going for a drive on a dirt/gravel road. Get up to 20Mph or so and then stand on the brakes to lock em up. This will activate the motor in the ABS and hopefully move the air out of the ABS and into the lines. Then, go back home and bleed manually again. Repeat procedure 2 or 3 more times until no more air. Not sure if this will or will not work on a Ram 4 wheel ABS but I don't think it would cause any harm either.



-Deon

 

[americana]

I'll have to check

both the Haynes manual and the Dodge. For some reason I'm thinking that there are two controllers.



I'm not too worried about air (I know it is important) I'm more worried about getting all or as much of the old fluid out of the system.



thanks for the advice about cycling the ABS on a slippery surface.

 

[San Felipe Bob]

Bleeding brakes

EGR sells a nice DIY power bleeding unit!

They also sell the high quality brake fliud.



Don't forget to take good care of your Caliper pins!

Lube them often.



SFB

 

[DavidC]

Use one of these and flush the system with 2 quarts of fresh fluid. Made a tremendous change in braking from old fluid.

http://www.motiveproducts.com/index.html



Dave