Rear calliper BAM 2004 R Lucas

[iammooks]

I had bleed the master cylinder and the front callipers, it wasn’t until I ran through the abs pump bleed routine that I got any pedal firmness back. So if you have some pedal then it might be a normal bleed you need or maybe a fluid change?

I can feel the abs releasing the brakes on the damp surfaces Sunday afternoon, but it isn’t anything dramatic at the speeds I was doing. If your abs pump wasn’t working you’d have lights or codes flashing up I think. Does you’re light on the dash come on and then go off? Like the mot guys will look for?

In the Midlands so you’re a bit far away.


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I haven't had a chance to bleed the master cylinder since I bled the calipers individually, but bleeding the nipple furthest from the bulkhead has always had a pretty dramatic effect. I'll have to get the girlfriend to help next week.

I've bled the whole system twice myself, had two garages do it and then I wound back the pistons with the bleed nipples open to get any remaining air out of the calipers, but there's still a lot of inconsistency in the pedal. Lots of people suggest it's the master cylinder seals, but having stripped and refurbished one, they're tougher than people think.

No lights that I can remember seeing on the dash, so at least it looks like it'll pass the MoT. I don't have a scan tool though - and every job that goes by I start to feel it would be worth the investment.

I've got family in Cheslyn Hay, so when this Covid mess is all over... Mind you, if I haven't got the brakes sorted by 2023 I think the car will be in a ditch somewhere - possibly in suspicious circumstances.


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[SteveWM]

One thing I did invest in last year was a Sealey pressure bleeding tool, one man /woman job now and your sure there no up/down mis communication.

Doing the MC was easier than I thought, had read it was a nightmare access to nipples but removing the charge pipe it was easy.

I bought a VCDS cable years ago, can’t update the software but there’s no need as I only use it on my two 1M Leon’s. It’s been invaluable ever since.

Diagnosed a bad remap through logging and the great minds on this forum, but that’s another story.

2023, you reckon?.....


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[iammooks]

One thing I did invest in last year was a Sealey pressure bleeding tool, one man /woman job now and your sure there no up/down mis communication.

Doing the MC was easier than I thought, had read it was a nightmare access to nipples but removing the charge pipe it was easy.

I bought a VCDS cable years ago, can’t update the software but there’s no need as I only use it on my two 1M Leon’s. It’s been invaluable ever since.

Diagnosed a bad remap through logging and the great minds on this forum, but that’s another story.

2023, you reckon?.....


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Thought I'd hold off replying until I'd tried bleeding the MC again, and it looks to have worked. Haven't done a road test yet, but it's not spongy with the engine running - maybe a little sinking, but much, much firmer than it has been, so it looks like it was just air in the system rather than anything more worrying. I hate bleeding the MC, but given it's the highest point of the brake system, air is bound to make its way there eventually.

I've been using a Gunson up until now - I had to fit a new tyre valve on it because it leaked constantly even at lower pressures than they recommend. The only other problem I've had is leaking from the master cylinder cap when it's under pressure, which in turn drains the Gunson reservoir and can introduce air into the system. Today, as it was just the MC I was bleeding, I put my faith in the missus and she delivered.

I'm still tempted by VCDS as it's the only way of finding out certain things, like why I've got hesitation when I lift off at slow speeds, but that can wait a while.

When I said 2023, I was halfway joking, but now I'm not so sure...

 

[SteveWM]

Glad you managed to get it, mostly, sorted.

I’ve got plenty of pedal and bite, just not 100% happy with the sponge at the top.

I’m waiting for the better weather then a full bleed of the entire system.

VCDS has solved quite a few problems over the years, invaluable on these cars now given the age.


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[iammooks]

Glad you managed to get it, mostly, sorted.

I’ve got plenty of pedal and bite, just not 100% happy with the sponge at the top.

I’m waiting for the better weather then a full bleed of the entire system.

VCDS has solved quite a few problems over the years, invaluable on these cars now given the age.


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Hardest thing for me with VCDS is sourcing a "legit" copy. There are a fair few available on eBay, but I don't know enough about them to know what I'd actually be buying and whether they're kosher - and then you've got the ones you know are legit, but cost about £400...

Like you, I've still got a little sponge at the top of the pedal, but after that it's plenty firm enough - at least as firm as it was before I started on this whole sorry brake bleeding adventure.

Weather is definitely my enemy at the moment - either it's tipping down with rain or it's so cold I can't feel my hands. I've got to do some paint correction and some respraying as well, so probably for the best to wait until warmer days for that one - and the beer tastes better then too...