Bleeding ABS/replacing pad tips

[waves@epix.net]

Just completed an ABS class... here's a few tips...

Bleed the brakes as you would bleed a normal braking system car. 

If you get air into the actual ABS housing (running the resevoir low) you
may  have a very difficult time ridding the system of air. Even a power
bleeder might not work. Although not a great bit of advice for novices, we
were told to drive the car and slam on the brakes, attempting lock-up. The
slipperier the road surface the better, as you want the solenoids in the
actuator to 'pump' This should clear the air from that part of the system,
allowing for normal bleeding there-after.


When replacing pads on and ABS equipped car, you must do two things!

first, open the brake bleeder before compressing the calipers. Second clamp
shut the brake hose with the appropriate vice grips. The grips have a smooth
metal surface that is more gentle that ones that are toothed.
This is done to avoid shoving brake fluid back into the master cylinder. The
forcefullness can do damage to the piston and seals, not to mention
back-flushing dirt into the ABS. I questioned the potential for damaging the
brake hose by clamping it in this manner and was told that if the hose is in
decent cond. and you don't crush the hose ( rather simply blocking it off)
all should be well...

Hope this helps!


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                       Rolf Mair is: waves@epix.net
        Racing Resume for Sponsors/Corvettes for sale/Racing Pix @
http://www.sevenwaves.com
    Head Coach and Founder of the Seventh Wave jr. Ski Racing Team @ Doe Mt.Pa
               1994,95,96,97 East Coast USA SCCA Solo 1 Champion
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