If another mechanic told you there is a trick to bleed the ABS module - why didn’t he tell you?

I have heard (but not confirmed and don’t recommend) that you can force air out of the ABS module by driving on a slippery roadway (gravel, snow, ice) and apply the brakes hard - to cause the ABS to activate.

I would be leery of not having the process done properly as the braking system is critical to your safety (and others).

 

If another mechanic told you there is a trick to bleed the ABS module - why didn’t he tell you?

I have heard (but not confirmed and don’t recommend) that you can force air out of the ABS module by driving on a slippery roadway (gravel, snow, ice) and apply the brakes hard - to cause the ABS to activate.

I would be leery of not having the process done properly as the braking system is critical to your safety (and others).

If another mechanic told you there is a trick to bleed the ABS module - why didn’t he tell you?

I have heard (but not confirmed and don’t recommend) that you can force air out of the ABS module by driving on a slippery roadway (gravel, snow, ice) and apply the brakes hard - to cause the ABS to activate.

I would be leery of not having the process done properly as the braking system is critical to your safety (and others).

Well my guess is he did not tell me because he wants me to pay him to do it. And i have heard of that method as well but as stated there’s no brakes in the car at all now.

 

Get several big bottles of brake fluid and a good pressure-bleeder set-up. You need enough fluid to replace fluid in ALL BRAKE AND ABS LINES. Plus you need HELP from someone who can reliably actuate the brake pedal on-command as needed. It's just not worth it. It's not like the old days.

I'm betting the gravel road thing is bunk passed-on by hopeful folks with good intentions. For one, you need brakes to get to the gravel road. And it's hard to displace air from the ABS block when there's no place for the air to go and be bled-out. And the ABS block is typically higher above the ground than even the calipers. Dunno. But it doesn't seem ok.

 

but do you know anyway to bleed abs module?

 

My answer includes that, they are interconnected and it's next to impossible to get air out of the ABS without the high-end scan+ tool, which means it has to be a scan tool that actually has the ability to activate devices including the ABS module FOR YOUR VEHICLE. So its a scan+ tool or a buddy in the seat and lots of brake fluid and you still might not get it all.

Said another way, you need more than just a scan tool. Some have scan only.

Some have scan and some tools to test operate various devices.

Some have scan and some tools to test operate devices including ABS. Very confusing.

And in every case it has to have those tools matching your vehicle. Many have tools for several vehicles, you might get one having tools for all your vehicles, maybe.

Hope this helps.

 

Agree w/other posters here....you really need the fancy expensive scan tool to get air out of the ABS. Either buy it and use it properly or pay a professional mechanic to do it for you.

That said, ABS "usually" seals itself when not actuated allowing MC and or other brake components to be changed without entering air into the ABS itself. Air will, of course, get into the lines and components. But normal brake bleeding should resolve air in the remainder of the system.

Since brakes are safety for you, your passengers, and every one else on the road, they really need to be done correctly. If you have any doubt, just take it to the professional....

 

I believe the "trick" is that you have to get a scanner that has "auto-bleed" I changed a caliper and ran in to that issue...almost no pressure coming out...auto bleed works the abs unit, ya have to bleed all 4 wheels. It charges each wheel and you open bleeder and release. I had to bleed all 4 wheels 3 times till I got pedal back to normal...hope this helps

 

You will not have a pedal unless you drive the car little. Same happened with me.

 

The trick is fine you a gravel road, drive about 20 to 30 mph and hit the brakes hard along the way. You trying to make the wheels slide like you are in a panic stop. Do this about 3 to 5 times this will bleed the air out of the ABS module. You have to bleed the brakes again, this will get you more paddle. Don't forget to check and add fluid. You may have to go down the gravel road again.

 

Don't get frustrated, This is common, On paper you need a scanner in reality you do not, We had the capability in our shop to bleed with scanner , but never needed it. Try this, bench bleed the master with very short strokes till you no longer see air coming from bottom of reservoir to top, reinstall and gravity bleed all the wheels for about twenty minutes with master lid off, Then get an assistant to help you bleed, also make sure all the bleeders at the wheel's are up and not down, I have found this many times as shops have trouble bleeding and can't figure out why after caliper replacement, then they remove caliper and hold it with the hose connection up and banjo bolt loosened, They get the air out and get a pedal but it messes up the next guy. Good Luck

 

NHTSA has the service bulletin you can download or print off for these gen vehicles with step by step instructions. PIC5468D.