How to bleed ABS brakes for one person
Content
The braking system of a car during operation needs periodic diagnostics of the main components and elements. Often, in the process of implementing these measures, the owner of a car has difficulties due to his ignorance, lack of information or lack of practical skills.
Often, difficulties of this kind are associated with bleeding the brake system, which must be done after repair, as well as replacing components and working fluid. The situation is often aggravated by the fact that a motorist does not always have the opportunity to count on outside help.
One way or another, before, when the braking system of a car did not differ in the presence of modern innovations, this problem found its solution. Now, when the vast majority of cars are equipped with ABS systems, the procedure for bleeding the brakes for the owners of such cars goes beyond the established methods and techniques. Nevertheless, such an operation, with a competent approach, is carried out without any problems.
When should you change the brake fluid in your car?
Brake fluid (TF), like any other, is characterized by a number of key performance parameters. One of them is its boiling point. It is about 2500 C. Over time, after long-term operation, this indicator may decrease significantly. This phenomenon is due to the fact that TJ is quite hygroscopic, and moisture, one way or another penetrating into the brake system, gradually reduces its performance.
In this regard, the threshold of its boiling is sharply reduced, which can lead to serious consequences, up to brake failure. The fact is that the operating temperature range of the TJ is 170 - 1900 C, and if the percentage of moisture in it is high, under certain conditions it will simply begin to boil. This will inevitably lead to the appearance of air jams, due to which the pressure value in the system will not be enough for effective braking.
Referring to the requirements established by the regulations, the replacement of the TJ should be carried out at least once every two years. If you take into account the mileage of the car, then the approved regulations indicate that its value should not exceed 55 thousand km.
It should be noted that all the presented norms are of a recommendatory nature. To know for sure whether the TJ is subject to replacement or not, it is necessary to use special diagnostic equipment.
A so-called tester can be used as a diagnostic device. It helps to determine the percentage of moisture content in tAs and allows you to judge whether it is advisable to use it further or whether it should be replaced.
It is worth remembering that among the devices presented there are both universal testers and those that are designed to work exclusively with specific types of TAs.
The general principle of bleeding the brake system
At the moment, there are many ways and techniques for pumping the brake system of a car. Each of them is good in its own way, depending on certain circumstances. However, they are all based on general principles for the most part.
At the first stage, you need to prepare everything you need to bleed the brakes.
This list includes:
- stock of tAs;
- flexible hoses for drain valves;
- wrenches of the correct size.
Particular attention should be paid to the pumping scheme, which provides for the alternate release of air from the underwater mains.
This sequence is used for most modern cars. But, nevertheless, before pumping, you need to familiarize yourself in detail with the algorithm prescribed by the manufacturer specifically for your type of car.
The principle of pumping the brakes is that when the brake pedal is acted upon, air bubbles are forced through towards the cavities of the working brake cylinders. So after 3-4 brake applications, the pedal should be held in the depressed position until the air valve on the corresponding working cylinder is opened.
As soon as the valve opens, part of the TJ, together with the air plug, comes out. After that, the valve is wrapped, and the entire above-designated procedure is repeated again.
You should also not forget that in the process of pumping the brakes, you need to monitor the level of TJ in the master cylinder reservoir. Also, after the entire system is pumped, it is extremely important to make sure that there are no leaks, especially at the junctions of the fittings and air valves. We should not forget about anthers. They, upon completion of all work, should be put in place to avoid clogging of the channels of the drain valves.
How to bleed the brakes in a car with ABS on your own (for one person)
Sometimes situations arise when you have to rely only on your own strength. To effectively bleed the brakes on your own, without resorting to services, you should adopt several methods that have proven their effectiveness in practice.
Before resorting to active actions, a visual inspection of the ABS unit should be carried out. Next, you should find and remove the appropriate fuse.
If everything goes according to plan, the ABS fault indicator will light up on the dashboard.
The next step is to disconnect the GTZ tank connectors.
First of all, it is advisable to pump the front wheels. To do this, unscrew the bleeder screw ¾ of a turn and fully depress the pedal. At that moment, when the air stops coming out, the fitting is twisted.
Then you need to start pumping the working cylinder of the rear right wheel. Initially, you need to unscrew the air fitting by an average of 1-1,5 turns, completely drown the pedal and turn on the ignition. After some time, the air should completely leave this circuit. As soon as signs of air in the system disappear, pumping can be considered complete.
Bleeding the rear left wheel has its own nuances. First, loosen the air valve 1 turn, but in this case, the brake pedal should not be pressed. After we turn on the pump, lightly press the brake and fix the fitting in the closed state.
Practice shows that pumping the brake system of a modern car can be done by any car owner. When using the minimum number of improvised means, guided by useful practical experience, you can put your car in order on your own. This approach will increase your self-esteem, save time and eliminate unnecessary costs.
