Brakes gone soft

dekbhoy

right guys air got into my braking system causing the brakes to only work when pedal is nearly on floor , whats the best way to eliminate this , will i need to completely bleed system or is there an easier way . Also where is the best place to bleed brake fluid from


Thanks in advance

El Guapo!

First things first, you have to find out HOW air got into the system and fix that problem.
No point bleeding the brakes if there's a problem elsewhere.

Henry Ford III

Get the fluid changed and the hydraulics checked/repaired. You bleed air from the system through the bleed nipples.

dekbhoy

Dean09 wrote: »

First things first, you have to find out HOW air got into the system and fix that problem.
No point bleeding the brakes if there's a problem elsewhere.

Replaced pipes on ABS unit........

El Guapo!

dekbhoy wrote: »

Replaced pipes on ABS unit........

Ah I see, my apologies.
You should bleed the brakes from all 4 brake calipers one at a time to be sure to remove all air from the system. Keep an eye on the brake fluid level while bleeding and keep topping it up to avoid drawing in more air.

dekbhoy

Dean09 wrote: »

Ah I see, my apologies.
You should bleed the brakes from all 4 brake calipers one at a time to be sure to remove all air from the system. Keep an eye on the brake fluid level while bleeding and keep topping it up to avoid drawing in more air.

Thanks dean for reply .....when removing air do you just remove bleed valve allow some fluid to drain and retighten or do you loosen depress brake and then tighten

wuben

make sure you start with the caliber futherest away from brake fluid resivour at the back then opposite one then same at front

El Guapo!

dekbhoy wrote: »

Thanks dean for reply .....when removing air do you just remove bleed valve allow some fluid to drain and retighten or do you loosen depress brake and then tighten

Ok basically this is what you need to do......you'll need a friend to help you.

Open the brake fluid resevoir and make sure its full to the top.

Take the wheels off the car. (not 100% neccessary but makes life easier)

Start at the corner furthest away from the resevoir.
Put a bit of rubber hose from the bleed nipple on the caliper into an empty bottle.

Get your helper to pump the brake pedal slowly a few times to build up pressure and then keep the pedal pressed down.

You open the bleed nipple to release the pressure and brake fluid will squirt out. The brake pedal will go to the floor but keep it pressed until the bleed nipple is closed again.

Then pump the pedal again SLOWLY until the pressure builds up again and repeat the above steps.

Repeat on all 4 corners until all the air is out of the system. REMEMBER to keep an eye on the fluid level and dont let it get too low while bleeding.

And just a side note: Brake fluid is highly corrosive to paintwork so try not to get any on the bodywork.

Hope this helps

frank gooding

What he said

Small note
Clear rubber hose will let you see the air bubble coming out.

jimmyw

There is another simpler way to do it too if you dont have an assistant.That is to buy a bleeder with a one way valve in it.All you have to do is put on the pipe and open the bleed nipple and pump away.Dont forget to keep checking the reservoir though.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_204703_langId_-1_categoryId_165469

Wibbs

Dean09 wrote: »

And just a side note: Brake fluid is highly corrosive to paintwork so try not to get any on the bodywork.

Great guide from Deano09.

I'd keep a bucket of water nearby. If the fuild does spill throw that on it as brake fluid is water soluble. Don't just wipe it with a rag as you may just spread it around and it will in short order eat through the paint.

dekbhoy

Great explanation dean couldnt have been explained clearer than that ........

El Guapo!

Glad I could help!