Brake fluid flush fail

swagon · 07-31-2020, 06:35 PM

Long story short, tried flushing the brakes using a vacuum pump the first time - brakes were unusable; then tried the "old way" (i.e. pumping the pedal) and even after three attempts, which is a few too many, I still have a brake pedal that's got a noticeable dead zone. Went out to beat on them till they were smelly, car seems to brake fine but I feel like ABS may not be engaging properly.

Are we really only supposed to use do it using BMW tools and let it cycle through the DSC module? Called the dealer and got told there's still air in the module.

Am pissed.

knightarmor · 07-31-2020, 08:59 PM

I recently flushed the brakes using the Motiv pressure bleeder. Works great. Check out the TLG DIY video.

I have used the vacuum bleeder on a 1995 volvo 850 and 2001 Mini Cooper, works good. Didn't want to try it on the F80.

Suds · 07-31-2020, 09:12 PM

I need to ask the shop that does my brake flushes every 6 months and find out what they do. The brake feel is always solid.

swagon · 08-01-2020, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suds

I need to ask the shop that does my brake flushes every 6 months and find out what they do. The brake feel is always solid.

I called my dealership and what they do is they use a pressure bleeder machine, think Motive bleeder but in a larger scale. If the vehicle still has a soft pedal, they will connect it to their diagnostics and cycle the DSC module.

Anyway, I've thankfully solved this problem rather quickly. Took it to an indy shop for brake fluid change (using the first aforementioned method); the "issue" was that we completely overlooked the second pair bleed nipples located on the back of the front calipers. Total noob, me.

ellipsis212 · 08-04-2020, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swagon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suds

I need to ask the shop that does my brake flushes every 6 months and find out what they do. The brake feel is always solid.

I called my dealership and what they do is they use a pressure bleeder machine, think Motive bleeder but in a larger scale. If the vehicle still has a soft pedal, they will connect it to their diagnostics and cycle the DSC module.

Anyway, I've thankfully solved this problem rather quickly. Took it to an indy shop for brake fluid change (using the first aforementioned method); the "issue" was that we completely overlooked the second pair bleed nipples located on the back of the front calipers. Total noob, me.

Thanks for checking back and admitting user error, and glad you have brakes again!

07-31-2020, 06:35 PM	#1
swagon Major General 13505 Rep 8,160 Posts Drives: F80 6MT Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: . iTrader: (0)	Long story short, tried flushing the brakes using a vacuum pump the first time - brakes were unusable; then tried the "old way" (i.e. pumping the pedal) and even after three attempts, which is a few too many, I still have a brake pedal that's got a noticeable dead zone. Went out to beat on them till they were smelly, car seems to brake fine but I feel like ABS may not be engaging properly. Are we really only supposed to use do it using BMW tools and let it cycle through the DSC module? Called the dealer and got told there's still air in the module. Am pissed. __________________
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07-31-2020, 08:59 PM	#2
knightarmor Lieutenant Colonel 855 Rep 1,550 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Washington iTrader: (2)	I recently flushed the brakes using the Motiv pressure bleeder. Works great. Check out the TLG DIY video. I have used the vacuum bleeder on a 1995 volvo 850 and 2001 Mini Cooper, works good. Didn't want to try it on the F80.
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07-31-2020, 09:12 PM	#3
Suds /M Enthusiast 1597 Rep 1,617 Posts Drives: Responsiblish Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lone Star State iTrader: (1)	I need to ask the shop that does my brake flushes every 6 months and find out what they do. The brake feel is always solid. __________________ 2019 M2 Comp, Alpine White, DCT, track car build, 1/2 cage, AP Racing Brakes & Nitron Coilovers, BM3 Stage 1 93 Oct. 2018 Porsche Cayman GTS, Night Blue Metalic, PDK, COBB tuned 93 Oct. 2004 Audi A4 Avant USP 6mt, RS4 clutch, built motor, Garrett GT3071r "Big Ass Turbo" Motoza Tune Last edited by Suds; 07-31-2020 at 09:21 PM..
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