ABS finally sorted!..hopefully 100% this time!

[Sean d]

Ok, here's an update!

I received the pressure bleeder last Wednesday, and couldn't wait to have a go Thursday.

So, all 4 wheels off and everything exposed. Looked at my brake fluid, and because of all the previous gravity bleeding, it is nice and clear.

I connected the pressure bleeder according to the instructions, pumped it up to 1.2bar, and then inspected all my work. Found 1 union at the front with a minute trace of fluid, so tightened further. This is a big plus point of the feeder, revealing leaks, although what I think I found had no consequence.

Released the pressure, and filled the pump with fluid, 2 ltrs, nice and gentle, no new bubbles created, created a small amount of pressure to push the fluid up the pipe as nurses do in hyperdermic needles, then reconnected it to the reservoir. Pumped it up to 1.2 bar again,.

Bled the rear nearside first, then offside rear, then nearside front, then offside front. Used about 1 to 1.5 ltrs, to make sure fluid was all new. This operation with the pump is oh so easy! During the bleed, no new bubbles

Having satisfied myself I've bled the system 100%, released the pressure, and disconnected. Cannot emphasise enough how easy and quick this was.

Next the test. Before starting the pedal was rock solid, more so than before.

The started, immediately the ABS light were out! Then out on the road the brakes were so responsive, pedal harder than before I started.

Back home, garaged the car, and then turned on the ignition to check light out, and all ok all night.

Next morning, tested again, all out1 Before light would have reappeared.

Saturday the same, lights out on starting ignition!

I was away for the weekend, came back today, could not wait, started car, lights still out. Best results yet! Just took it for a run, rakes still 100%, like new, and all lights out.

So I'm considering case solved. I think I had more than one problem, but for sure, the pressure bleeder is a tool I wish I had bought 25 years ago. Can only recommend that you buy one if you have brake and ABS problems, as if it does not cure any problem you have, it tests the systems fully, and gives superb braking.

I have tried all the above to no avail, do you think the small leak you had was causing the problem as no air came out with the pressure bleeder, I have run about 2l through so far, my poedal is not too bad but hits the deck when the engine is started, ABS lights are on, I have bled the ABS unions and the masteer cylinder ones too, do I keep bleeding or get it connected to a laptop to do the ABS pump, @t-tony @Faheem

 

[NZ00Z3]

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[Faheem]

Are you having to push hard for the pedal to reach the floor? If I really try and push the pedal with all the strength in my leg then I can maybe get it to go to the floor but under normal breaking the brakes are nice and firm... I did go through almost 4-5 litres of fluid and for me connecting the car to a laptop and using DIS helped a lot too...

In fact the brakes are so good that sometimes in the Polo, I forget that I'm in a different car and I've had a couple of close calls now where I've left it a little too late to hit the brakes!

 

[t-tony]

I have tried all the above to no avail, do you think the small leak you had was causing the problem as no air came out with the pressure bleeder, I have run about 2l through so far, my poedal is not too bad but hits the deck when the engine is started, ABS lights are on, I have bled the ABS unions and the masteer cylinder ones too, do I keep bleeding or get it connected to a laptop to do the ABS pump, @t-tony @Faheem

I think that's you next port of call Sean, not something I have needed to do in the past mate.

Tony.

 

[Sean d]

I think that's you next port of call Sean, not something I have needed to do in the past mate.

Tony.

Was also wondering if the master cylinder is a problem, however I do have some brakes and I have checked for bubbles in the resevoir when the brake is pressed

 

[Sean d]

Are you having to push hard for the pedal to reach the floor? If I really try and push the pedal with all the strength in my leg then I can maybe get it to go to the floor but under normal breaking the brakes are nice and firm... I did go through almost 4-5 litres of fluid and for me connecting the car to a laptop and using DIS helped a lot too...

In fact the brakes are so good that sometimes in the Polo, I forget that I'm in a different car and I've had a couple of close calls now where I've left it a little too late to hit the brakes!

I do have to press hard when the engine is not running but not so hard once running pal

 

[t-tony]

I do have to press hard when the engine is not running but not so hard once running pal

That goes to show that the servo is working ok.

Tony.