imported_Moe_Mentum

Hey Guys

I've searched top to bottom on this topic and I can't seem to get a clear answer.

Here is what I've read so far. On older Hondas 95 and below you cab bleed the ABS unit through a bleeder valve after you have bled each corner normally. Now on newer Hondas the ABS unit does not have a seperate resevoir and no bleed screw and it needs to be taken to a dealer to have the ABS unit bled properly.

I own a 99 EX w/ABS thus falling into the newer category. I have had make break bled befoer and I have never seen my mechanic attempt to bleed the ABS unit. I have also read you should bleed the ABS unit with the car in the "ON" position or after bleeding normally, take your car for a spin and activate ABS and bleed again. Then others are saying you don't have to do anything special with ABS cars. Which is correct?


Reason I am asking is I noticed after I bleed my brakes the correct way they are fine (nice and hard) but after some use , perhaps after activating ABS they get a bit softer.

dingus888

well I have never heard of this for a honda

I have heard of cracking the bleeder while compressing the caliper piston in order not to ram hydraulic pressure backwards on new abs systems

I would not bother with it seeing how you have to take it to a "dealer" to have them do it like they are magic people who can only do this. you shoudl not have to bleed the abs unit because it is part of the brakeing hydraulic system thus will inturn be bled or air when bleeding the brake system.

I would not bother I think your peddle getting softer is part of your imagination or something else like failing master cylinder

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

air trapped inside the ABS unit itself has to get released as well, meaning you need the activate the ABS unit during bleeding. dealers do this with a unit that hooks into the ECU or whatever to make the ABS pump come on.

now, if those ppl who told you "take your car for a spin and activate ABS and bleed again. " were a lil bit smarter, they'd tell you to apply the brakes lightly and to spin the rear wheels by hand (with a buddy helping)... which would fool the ABS into activating.... or at least it should.

but the bottom line is there is likely to be no air in the ABS unit anyways, meaning a regular old bleeding procedure will evacuate most of the air from the system. do this once a year or so, and you won't have any air in the system at all.