Flushing brake system, bleeding master cylinder and ABS pump (w/ ESP)

Redneck Truck · 01-01-2011, 08:53 AM

When I disassembled my right rear caliper I lost a lot of fluid and I think air got into the master from the top. After a lot of bleeding with a pressure bleeder and by hand, but I've still got a spongy pedal. I'm aware of how to use VAG COM basic settings to bleed the ABS pump, but I'm not aware of any special procedures for the ESP, and I don't know how to bleed the master cylinder. Could anybody make/find me a brief writeup on the job?

Peter Badore · 01-01-2011, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redneck Truck

When I disassembled my right rear caliper I lost a lot of fluid and I think air got into the master from the top. After a lot of bleeding with a pressure bleeder and by hand, but I've still got a spongy pedal. I'm aware of how to use VAG COM basic settings to bleed the ABS pump, but I'm not aware of any special procedures for the ESP, and I don't know how to bleed the master cylinder. Could anybody make/find me a brief writeup on the job?

Did you bleed all the wheel cylinders or only the one that you disassembled?

Redneck Truck · 01-01-2011, 09:17 AM

I pressure bled all four corners. My friend the tech also operated the abs pump in basic settings, but I don't think he went through the whole procedure, as I did it on my Golf last night and don't remember seeing him do some of the things.

Johann2.7t · 01-01-2011, 09:35 AM

ive bleed the brakes properly without operating the abs pump. Ive read its just to flush out the old fluid (ie if you didnt drain the whole system).

I think you need to bleed more.

Just Me · 01-01-2011, 09:39 AM

the abs pump is also the ESP pump - so its the same. Its very hard to get air into the ABS system, btu if you do, its also hard to get it out. According to Audi, you need over 27 psi (working from memory) - which i NEVER use.

Bleeding the master occurs automatically when you pressure bleed the wheels.

Now, a i recall you have a 6-speed. Did you also bleed the clutch?

G

Just Me · 01-01-2011, 09:41 AM

Well, hen i ran the master dry ( don't ask and i won't tell) i had to use a combo method - manual bleeding with pressure simultaneously applied.

It took many, many passes to get the deep-down air out. And about 2 liters of fluid. Live and learn. Always have a full pressure bleeder tank!

G

Redneck Truck · 01-01-2011, 09:44 AM

Clutch is fine. Reservoir was bone dry though so enough of the system was drained that it all needed bled. Additionally, I've heard it's a good idea to replace old fluid, to include the stuff in the abs. Anybody know the procedure?

Just Me · 01-01-2011, 11:25 AM

yes, procedure is in bentley. Normal pressure bleed procedure, except that you activate the abs pump with vag com for 10 seconds.

I don't know the code or sequence.

G

Airbag · 01-01-2011, 07:33 PM

i just went through all this recently . had you r exact symptom , ran the system dry.. had a spongy pedal for a while after bleeeding teice .. after I went out on an icy day and let the abs do her thing the pedal is fine now .. i guess if it runs dry you can trap an air pocket .. on my second bleed a did get aditional small bubbles .. next time i will do the initial bleed with chaeap brake fluid and save my superblue for the last bleed .. lesson learned ..

Just Me · 01-02-2011, 11:56 AM

snow day = God's vag-com?

01-01-2011, 09:17 AM	#3
Redneck Truck AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 1,061	I pressure bled all four corners. My friend the tech also operated the abs pump in basic settings, but I don't think he went through the whole procedure, as I did it on my Golf last night and don't remember seeing him do some of the things. __________________ 2001 A6 4.2 Quattro 6-speed 2001 TT Quattro Roadster TDI 2005 Jetta Wagon TDI 2006 CBR1000RR C5 tech, writeups, help blog.

01-01-2011, 09:39 AM	#5
Just Me AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,516	the abs pump is also the ESP pump - so its the same. Its very hard to get air into the ABS system, btu if you do, its also hard to get it out. According to Audi, you need over 27 psi (working from memory) - which i NEVER use. Bleeding the master occurs automatically when you pressure bleed the wheels. Now, a i recall you have a 6-speed. Did you also bleed the clutch? G __________________ glenahan@vee-eff-emaildotnet

01-01-2011, 09:41 AM	#6
Just Me AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,516	Well, hen i ran the master dry ( don't ask and i won't tell) i had to use a combo method - manual bleeding with pressure simultaneously applied. It took many, many passes to get the deep-down air out. And about 2 liters of fluid. Live and learn. Always have a full pressure bleeder tank! G __________________ glenahan@vee-eff-emaildotnet

01-01-2011, 09:44 AM	#7
Redneck Truck AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 1,061	Clutch is fine. Reservoir was bone dry though so enough of the system was drained that it all needed bled. Additionally, I've heard it's a good idea to replace old fluid, to include the stuff in the abs. Anybody know the procedure? __________________ 2001 A6 4.2 Quattro 6-speed 2001 TT Quattro Roadster TDI 2005 Jetta Wagon TDI 2006 CBR1000RR C5 tech, writeups, help blog.

01-01-2011, 11:25 AM	#8
Just Me AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,516	yes, procedure is in bentley. Normal pressure bleed procedure, except that you activate the abs pump with vag com for 10 seconds. I don't know the code or sequence. G __________________ glenahan@vee-eff-emaildotnet

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01-01-2011, 09:35 AM	#4
Johann2.7t AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 126	ive bleed the brakes properly without operating the abs pump. Ive read its just to flush out the old fluid (ie if you didnt drain the whole system). I think you need to bleed more.

01-01-2011, 07:33 PM	#9
Airbag AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: In my Garage Posts: 704	i just went through all this recently . had you r exact symptom , ran the system dry.. had a spongy pedal for a while after bleeeding teice .. after I went out on an icy day and let the abs do her thing the pedal is fine now .. i guess if it runs dry you can trap an air pocket .. on my second bleed a did get aditional small bubbles .. next time i will do the initial bleed with chaeap brake fluid and save my superblue for the last bleed .. lesson learned ..

01-02-2011, 11:56 AM	#10
Just Me AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,516	snow day = God's vag-com? __________________ glenahan@vee-eff-emaildotnet

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