Brake System Flush Inc. ABS Module
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Elma NY
Brake System Flush Inc. ABS Module
I've been reading on the Forum about flushing the brake system lately and decided to do it. I am going to use Valvoline Synpower, as recommend on the Forum. And I am also going to install 4 speedbleeders to make the job easier.
The one area that I am having a problem with is how, or, if you need to bleed the ABS module. Apparantly this cannot be done without a scan tool to tell the computer to perform an "auto bleed" procedure on the ABS.
Apparantly this opens valves and purges any air out of the system and results in the correct brake pedal height.
Does anybody know if this auto bleed procedure must be done to accomplish a complete flush?
Thanks,
Bob
The one area that I am having a problem with is how, or, if you need to bleed the ABS module. Apparantly this cannot be done without a scan tool to tell the computer to perform an "auto bleed" procedure on the ABS.
Apparantly this opens valves and purges any air out of the system and results in the correct brake pedal height.Does anybody know if this auto bleed procedure must be done to accomplish a complete flush?
Thanks,
Bob
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Plainfield Il
I just did mine yesterday installed goodrich lines and stainless steel speedbleeders and used there iv bleed bag. I have 23500 miles on my 2001 and was totaly shocked at how dirty the fluid was I didn't bleed the abs just bled the system per the manual using 2.5 qts of motul brake fluid... The speedbleeders work great you will love them!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,013
Likes: 9,775
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Not sure if it works but one thing that could be done is to bleed the system completely and then go out and activate the ABS several times while driving in an area clear of traffic. This might cycle some of the old fluid out of the ABS unit. Then go back home and flush the system again.
Bill
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,298
Likes: 1,583
From: Western NY
Originally Posted by Bill Dearborn
Not sure if it works but one thing that could be done is to bleed the system completely and then go out and activate the ABS several times while driving in an area clear of traffic. This might cycle some of the old fluid out of the ABS unit. Then go back home and flush the system again.
Bill
Bill
I've heard that mentioned a couple of times too.....
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I talked to the Corvette service tech at my dealer and he did not recommend doing a bleed of the ABS unit unless there was a problem with the ABS or if the assembly was replaced.
I don't think the ABS actually send fluid into the service brake lines. If these lines are bled and there is no air in them, where would the fluid go??
I always thought that the ABS pump moved fluid back and forth between the master cylider resevoir and the pump. So the start-up self test should pass fluid out of the ABS pump into the reservoir and eventually wind up with fresh fluid.
In any event, a Tech-II Scan tool would be needed in order to continuously run the ABS pump to flush any fluid.
I don't think the ABS actually send fluid into the service brake lines. If these lines are bled and there is no air in them, where would the fluid go??
I always thought that the ABS pump moved fluid back and forth between the master cylider resevoir and the pump. So the start-up self test should pass fluid out of the ABS pump into the reservoir and eventually wind up with fresh fluid.
In any event, a Tech-II Scan tool would be needed in order to continuously run the ABS pump to flush any fluid.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 1
From: Naples Fl
Abs
Unless I am looking at it wrong the ABS is basically a series of valves and switches. I dont think there is a significant amount of fluid stored in it to cause much of a problem. I changed my fluid when I did the caliper and braided steel flex lines and the fluid in the master cylinder is still clear after many miles of stop and go. Altho I dont think I have activated the ABS more than a couple of times since I did the change so its still possible there is some old stuff in there. But when you start up the car isnt there a noise that is the ABS cycleing on? I would think some of the fluid would transfer at that time and blend with the new. The ABS unit isnt very big and dont the lines to and from the brakes sort of pass thru the unit? I am probably oversimplifying it but I thought unless something caused the valves in the unit to release or bypass the fluid it just passed thru? Anyway no problems so far. I also cleaned the plastic resivour out with a lint free cloth before I refilled it as the black sludge sort of coats it and stays on the inside. Have fun.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
If you just bleed the brakes as per the service manual, you will change out almost all the old fluid. If you allow the master cylinder to go dry,
, you could have some air trapped in some areas of the system. That is where the TECH-II comes into play. I recommend the speed bleeders and keep a CLOSE eye on the level of fluid in the reservoir. If you activate the ABS system, you will transfer new fluid into the pump and valves that were activated. It isn't enough to worry about.
BC
, you could have some air trapped in some areas of the system. That is where the TECH-II comes into play. I recommend the speed bleeders and keep a CLOSE eye on the level of fluid in the reservoir. If you activate the ABS system, you will transfer new fluid into the pump and valves that were activated. It isn't enough to worry about.BC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 202
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From: Elma NY
Thank you all for your comments! I'm going to go ahead and flush the system per the Service Manual, 
being careful not to empty the fluid resevoir.
Does anybody know how much fluid I will need? Would a quart be enough?
Thanks, Bob
being careful not to empty the fluid resevoir.Does anybody know how much fluid I will need? Would a quart be enough?
Thanks, Bob
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 2
From: pawleys island sc
it seems to me that if GM went to all the trouble to program a routine into theTech-II to flush the ABS they must have had something in mind.
For about the same cost as a fuzzy orange shift **** with matching wheel skins you can get the whole job done ( what GM considers ) right.
For about the same cost as a fuzzy orange shift **** with matching wheel skins you can get the whole job done ( what GM considers ) right.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: South Texas
I thought the ABS only needed to be bled if air got in the system?
I power bled my system using the motive products power bleeder:
http://www.motiveproducts.com/
Device is simple but works. You can get one with a cap to match your master cyl cap. Take out the old brake fluid (turkey baster) then replace it and then put a couple of qts in the bleeder. Pump it up to 12lbs and then bleed the system (RR/LF/LR/RF).
I was surprised how much junk were in the lines of my 2004 Z06 (just got it, had 7500 miles on it)
Ron P.
I power bled my system using the motive products power bleeder:
http://www.motiveproducts.com/
Device is simple but works. You can get one with a cap to match your master cyl cap. Take out the old brake fluid (turkey baster) then replace it and then put a couple of qts in the bleeder. Pump it up to 12lbs and then bleed the system (RR/LF/LR/RF).
I was surprised how much junk were in the lines of my 2004 Z06 (just got it, had 7500 miles on it)
Ron P.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 46,762
Likes: 5
From: Boynton Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '07-'12, '20
Originally Posted by Hoichi
I thought the ABS only needed to be bled if air got in the system?
I power bled my system using the motive products power bleeder:
http://www.motiveproducts.com/
Device is simple but works. You can get one with a cap to match your master cyl cap. Take out the old brake fluid (turkey baster) then replace it and then put a couple of qts in the bleeder. Pump it up to 12lbs and then bleed the system (RR/LF/LR/RF).
I was surprised how much junk were in the lines of my 2004 Z06 (just got it, had 7500 miles on it)
Ron P.
I power bled my system using the motive products power bleeder:
http://www.motiveproducts.com/
Device is simple but works. You can get one with a cap to match your master cyl cap. Take out the old brake fluid (turkey baster) then replace it and then put a couple of qts in the bleeder. Pump it up to 12lbs and then bleed the system (RR/LF/LR/RF).
I was surprised how much junk were in the lines of my 2004 Z06 (just got it, had 7500 miles on it)
Ron P.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Elma NY
it seems to me that if GM went to all the trouble to program a routine into theTech-II to flush the ABS they must have had something in mind.
For about the same cost as a fuzzy orange shift **** with matching wheel skins you can get the whole job done ( what GM considers ) right.
For about the same cost as a fuzzy orange shift **** with matching wheel skins you can get the whole job done ( what GM considers ) right.
to flush a brake system. I can do it for $6 worth of brake fluid. If I have pedal height problems then I'll take it in.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Dang I need to get into the brake business. $110 to flush brake lines??
I use a Motive Power bleeder with 12-15 psi of pressure. No problems flushing out the ABS system and the brake lines.
Heck I have been doing my brake lines this way for 3 years and 15-17 times a year ( prior to track events) and have not had a problem. Never seen a Tech II either.
Maybe one of the special tools that some one says must be used so that shop can make more money of the uneducated customer.
I use a Motive Power bleeder with 12-15 psi of pressure. No problems flushing out the ABS system and the brake lines.
Heck I have been doing my brake lines this way for 3 years and 15-17 times a year ( prior to track events) and have not had a problem. Never seen a Tech II either.
Maybe one of the special tools that some one says must be used so that shop can make more money of the uneducated customer.
