Bleeding brake problem

[Den13]

Changed the disks and pads on the a3 because they were rubbish, still rubbish so done a quick google search and found this old thread http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-...problem-audi-dealer-cant-bleed-them-even.html so want to try the Ross-Tech: VAG-COM: ABS Brake Pump Bleeding before changing the master cylinder btw my brakes are doing the same as the one in the thread, could someone explain in more detail the Ross-Tech: VAG-COM: ABS Brake Pump Bleeding technique I may be missing something but it seams like a brief discriprion also how to bleed the master cylinder

 

[<tuffty/>]

You don't need to bleed the ABS pump unless you have changed it or have introduced air into the system upstream of the ABS pump...

Generally these will just need bleeding using a pressure bleeder (don't use the 'pump the pedal' method) and make sure you bleed the master cylinder last..

What do you mean when you say your brakes are rubbish? new disks and pads take a few miles to bed in and get their bite...

<tuffty/>

 

[Den13]

In general the brakes were soft from we got the car thought although new looking pads still spongy pedal, so thought perhaps Cheap pads and disks as had been the case with my Mondeo so got apex ones but pedal is worse gose right down before it bites and really soft and when you pump it and hold it, it slowly gose back down as mention in the before thread so perhaps it's previously had pump etc change and not bleed properly??

 

[<tuffty/>]

Bleed the master cylinder before doing anything... use a pressure bleeder...

<tuffty/>

 

[<tuffty/>]

...and add paragraphs to your posts... makes them difficult to read...

<tuffty/>

 

[ex911driver]

Might be a silly question but has the Brake fluid been changed recently?

 

[Den13]

Ok and as far as I know it has not had a change in brake fluid not from we got the car anyway

 

[<tuffty/>]

So you haven't actually bled the brakes at all? fluid needs to be changed every 2 years... get some fluid and a pressure bleeder (Gunsuns Eezi bleed) and get it changed

<tuffty/>

 

[ex911driver]

Brake fluid absorbs water over time,so might be good idea to change it , especially if you have no records of it being done.
Also new fluid will reduce the spongy pedal as well.

 

[Den13]

Don't have a pressure bleeder so will try bleed it the old fashiond way to see if there's any improvement doubt it tho after that most Likly fails will get it to a garage and should i ask them to pressure bleed the brake system and master cylinder??

 

[Den13]

I think the mrs bleed them the last time she done the back brakes a few weeks ago need to ask her, but am pritty sure she did

 

[Den13]

Ah well she says she never done it so will try that tomorrow and if that dont work will get it pressure bled

 

[Nilz]

I wouldnt do it the old fashioned way, apparently our cars have something that if you do it the old fashioned way and it flips from inside, there is no way of unflipping it and it can end up causing more issues.....

Might be worth doing a search, as there is alot of info on bleeding the brakes and about doing it the right way too.

 

[Den13]

What amount of fluid will I need to drain the system and refill it

 

[Den13]

So what's the verdict do it the old fashiond way see if it improves any then get the system drained and filled pressure bled and master cylinder bled or just leave the old fashions way all together and just get it pressure bled

 

[ex911driver]

Just get it pressure bled to avoid problems.

 

[Den13]

Bled including getting it emptied and filled

 

[Den13]

How much fluid will I require

 

[<tuffty/>]

So what's the verdict do it the old fashiond way see if it improves any then get the system drained and filled pressure bled and master cylinder bled or just leave the old fashions way all together and just get it pressure bled

Do NOT use the old fashioned way... you will nick or flip the master cylinder seals and it will need replacing... use a pressure bleeder...

How much fluid will I require

I used a 1ltr tin of fluid... from GSF its not much more than a tenner

<tuffty/>

 

[hardhitter]

I find the gunson isn't up to the job with bleeding problematic brakes (e.g air in the system). I use the sealey VS820 power bleeder, it works well and is worth the money.

 

[Den13]

Ok cheers again guys

 

[Nilz]

As Tufty says, dont do the old fashioned way, you will cause more problems for yourself.


Get a litre or two, it doesnt cost much and you have extra just in case.