Bleeding the brakes via VCDS (ABS unit too)

Birchall

Dick Chown Award 2016
Hi,

A member contacted me directly the other day and asked if I could help. He was having trouble bleeding the brakes and could not get a firm pedal. He had lost his brakes when a calliper piston seal went and he lost all of the fluid.

I had heard that if you run the brake fluid dry and air gets into the ABS system you get this problem.

I had also heard that you can automatically bleed the brakes using VCDS. I had not done it myself but I was aware of that option.

I suggested this and when Doug (the member with the problem) tried it, he was VERY pleasantly surprised. Not only did it fix the problem that he and his mechanic had been trying to resolve for a long time, but it was so easy to do.

VCDS tells you exactly what to do step by step, you just need to make sure that you have TWO brake bleeding pipes that have a non-return valve in them.

The system shows you what to do via text instruction on VCDS, such as "Press and hold the brake pedal down", "Open the bleed nipples on both front wheels (with the bleed pipes attached)", The ABS pump then kicks in automatically and then stops, the instructions continue.

It really is simple.

I found this link http://uk-mkivs.net/topic/64365-vcds-vagcom-abs-bleed-procedure/

Doug said that this is a you tube clip that helps, it is for a VW Passat but the process is the same

If you don't have access to VCDS the recommended alternative is to use a pressurised bleed kit BUT it must be capable of delivering at least 2 bar of pressure.

But the VCDS is so easy it is worth seeing if you can get someone with VCDS to help you.

If you have a spongey pedal and it is not improving, I would recommend trying this.

Steve B

P.S. could a Mod add this to the "How to" Index thread please?
 
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