Changed my brake fluid and now its broken

mbames · 04-06-2006, 20:22

Ok... today I swapped my clutch slave cylinder over as I believed it was leaking (turned out to be the fitting at the end of the hydraulic pipe instead (so not resolved that :-( )

I also took the chance to change the brake fluid (with pressure kit). I followed the instructions as per Mr Haynes for a full fluid change. ie. bled A and B, and then brakes in the correct order (both fronts at the same time, then both backs, and then around each one in order). Also did the clutch.

With out the engine running everything seems fine - pedal nice and firm etc. Started the car, and the pedal went straight to the floor, a few pumps and the stiffness returned (air in the system?)

So I bled the whole thing twice more (using a pressure kit) and still just the same. I wondered if it was because the car knew I was not moving, so I took it out for a test drive. Pedal was firmer, but still sinks all the way down when pressed down hard. Also the ABS fails to cut in - all.

When I got back, I tried holding then engine revs (say at 2000rpm) and then pressing the brake. This caused the revs to drop down to tick over. Upon releasing the pedal the revs returned to what they should be. I tried this, as did my dad and I am sure we don't both have wonky feet!!

Any ideas what is going on?

Lummox · 04-06-2006, 20:26

If the pedal pumps up you have air in the system. You didnt let the level get really low did you?

mbames · 04-06-2006, 20:52

Yes - drained all the old fluid out and replaced with new; but have then completed three full bleeds.

Lummox · 04-06-2006, 20:55

Why would you drain all the old fluid out? You should just flush it through.

If you have emptied the ABS unit, this can only be bled properly with diagnostic equipment to open the solenoids up.

You may get away with bleeding the master cylinder out first, there are either one or two bleed nipples on the side.

mbames · 04-06-2006, 21:06

I have bled primary and secondary values on the master cyclinder with no joy.

I haven't got VAG-COM with me at the moment, but can I do the solenoid reset with this at home - or is it a dealer job?

Lummox · 04-06-2006, 21:08

If the master cylinder wont help then there is air in the ABS unit.

Either get yourself VAG COM or its to the dealer with you.

Could be an expensive mistake.

mbames · 04-06-2006, 21:17

What steps do I need to take through VAG-COM? Thank you very much :-)

Cheers,
Matt

Lummox · 04-06-2006, 21:25

I dont know to be honest, I use dealer equipment to do it. Does take a fair while though and alot of fluid.

**VRStu** · 04-06-2006, 21:39

This may help you

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/cars/absbleeding.html

mbames · 04-06-2006, 21:51

Cool - thanks. Just need to wait for my gf to get home and turn on my server so I can grab my software from there for use on my parents PC.

Looks like I won't be in work tomorrow morning!

Cheers all - will report back tomorrow as to how I get on!

(mental note to self: get a laptop to keep in the car!)

**VRStu** · 04-06-2006, 22:27

Should that not read -

Mental note to self - don't drain out all the brake fluid as air gets in.

mbames · 05-06-2006, 21:35

yes... probably! I had to give in after a whole day of trying to get the air out. Booked into the dealers for Thursday.

04-06-2006, 20:22	#1
mbames Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Weymouth, Dorset Posts: 1,613 Thanks: 0 Thanked 70 Times in 62 Posts	Changed my brake fluid and now its broken Ok... today I swapped my clutch slave cylinder over as I believed it was leaking (turned out to be the fitting at the end of the hydraulic pipe instead (so not resolved that :-( ) I also took the chance to change the brake fluid (with pressure kit). I followed the instructions as per Mr Haynes for a full fluid change. ie. bled A and B, and then brakes in the correct order (both fronts at the same time, then both backs, and then around each one in order). Also did the clutch. With out the engine running everything seems fine - pedal nice and firm etc. Started the car, and the pedal went straight to the floor, a few pumps and the stiffness returned (air in the system?) So I bled the whole thing twice more (using a pressure kit) and still just the same. I wondered if it was because the car knew I was not moving, so I took it out for a test drive. Pedal was firmer, but still sinks all the way down when pressed down hard. Also the ABS fails to cut in - all. When I got back, I tried holding then engine revs (say at 2000rpm) and then pressing the brake. This caused the revs to drop down to tick over. Upon releasing the pedal the revs returned to what they should be. I tried this, as did my dad and I am sure we don't both have wonky feet!! Any ideas what is going on?

04-06-2006, 20:26	#2
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,273 Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 733 Times in 615 Posts	Re: Changed my brake fluid and now its broken If the pedal pumps up you have air in the system. You didnt let the level get really low did you? __________________ Unit 18 Automotive Services www.unit18.co.uk

04-06-2006, 20:52	#3
mbames Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Weymouth, Dorset Posts: 1,613 Thanks: 0 Thanked 70 Times in 62 Posts	Re: Changed my brake fluid and now its broken Yes - drained all the old fluid out and replaced with new; but have then completed three full bleeds.

04-06-2006, 20:55	#4
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,273 Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 733 Times in 615 Posts	Re: Changed my brake fluid and now its broken Why would you drain all the old fluid out? You should just flush it through. If you have emptied the ABS unit, this can only be bled properly with diagnostic equipment to open the solenoids up. You may get away with bleeding the master cylinder out first, there are either one or two bleed nipples on the side. __________________ Unit 18 Automotive Services www.unit18.co.uk

04-06-2006, 21:06	#5
mbames Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Weymouth, Dorset Posts: 1,613 Thanks: 0 Thanked 70 Times in 62 Posts	Re: Changed my brake fluid and now its broken I have bled primary and secondary values on the master cyclinder with no joy. I haven't got VAG-COM with me at the moment, but can I do the solenoid reset with this at home - or is it a dealer job?

04-06-2006, 21:08	#6
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,273 Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 733 Times in 615 Posts	Re: Changed my brake fluid and now its broken If the master cylinder wont help then there is air in the ABS unit. Either get yourself VAG COM or its to the dealer with you. Could be an expensive mistake. __________________ Unit 18 Automotive Services www.unit18.co.uk

04-06-2006, 21:17	#7
mbames Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Weymouth, Dorset Posts: 1,613 Thanks: 0 Thanked 70 Times in 62 Posts	Re: Changed my brake fluid and now its broken What steps do I need to take through VAG-COM? Thank you very much :-) Cheers, Matt

04-06-2006, 21:25	#8
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,273 Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 733 Times in 615 Posts	Re: Changed my brake fluid and now its broken I dont know to be honest, I use dealer equipment to do it. Does take a fair while though and alot of fluid. __________________ Unit 18 Automotive Services www.unit18.co.uk

04-06-2006, 21:39	#9
VRStu Briskoda Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,719 Thanks: 139 Thanked 982 Times in 879 Posts	Re: Changed my brake fluid and now its broken This may help you http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/cars/absbleeding.html __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

04-06-2006, 21:51	#10
mbames Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Weymouth, Dorset Posts: 1,613 Thanks: 0 Thanked 70 Times in 62 Posts	Re: Changed my brake fluid and now its broken Cool - thanks. Just need to wait for my gf to get home and turn on my server so I can grab my software from there for use on my parents PC. Looks like I won't be in work tomorrow morning! Cheers all - will report back tomorrow as to how I get on! (mental note to self: get a laptop to keep in the car!)

04-06-2006, 22:27	#11
VRStu Briskoda Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,719 Thanks: 139 Thanked 982 Times in 879 Posts	Re: Changed my brake fluid and now its broken Should that not read - Mental note to self - don't drain out all the brake fluid as air gets in. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

05-06-2006, 21:35	#12
mbames Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Weymouth, Dorset Posts: 1,613 Thanks: 0 Thanked 70 Times in 62 Posts	Re: Changed my brake fluid and now its broken yes... probably! I had to give in after a whole day of trying to get the air out. Booked into the dealers for Thursday.

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