Quote:
dava - 4/14/2006 10:37 AM
You realy need a pressure bleeder to do what you want and some times it is necessary to use the star diag to completely bleed the ABS pump.
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I've not bled the brakes on my SLK55 yet, but I've done it many, many times on many BMWs. Yes, I believe pressure bleeding is necessary and I will plan to use my usual technique -- using my air compressor and my wife's assistance as follows:
I purchased a brake fluid reservoir cap for a VW Sirrocco. It does not have an electrical sensor or wire connector in it -- it is just a plain old screw-on cap. The cap on the SLK55 is similar. (Most BMW caps have a fluid level sensor in them.) I then drilled a 1/2 inch or so hole through it and installed an "L-shaped" air hose fitting to it with some gaskets to minimize air leaks.
First I remove the wheels and make sure I have the correct size wrench -- 7 or 8 mm on a BMW as I recall (flare wrench preferred) and clear hose to connect to the bleeder nipples. The hose should be looped once and inserted into a suitable container (old brake fluid bottle.)
I then use a turkey baster to remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir. Fill the reservoir with fresh fluid. (Alternating fluid color from one bleeing to the next makes it easy to see when you have flushed enough fluid through into each caliper.)
Then install the reservoir cap with the air fitting and connect it to a 15psi air hose. Start with the wheel farthest from the reservoir (right rear on US cars). Connect the bleed hose, open the bleed nipple and have your assistant press the pedal to the floor and hold it there while you close the nipple. Then have the assistant allow the pedal to return up to it's normal position. Repeat this as many times as necessary to see fresh fluid entering your hose and then a few more times for good measure. If you see any air bubbles, continue until there are none.
Make sure that the fluid level does not drop in the reservoir enough to draw air into the lines. Check the level a couple of times through the process.
Repeat the process for each wheel, doing the caliper closest to the reservoir last. When done, top up the reservoir with the proper level of fluid and re-fit the wheels.
Wear latex gloves when doing this ( the fluid is toxic) and don't drip or spill any on paint -- it will severely damage paint.
Any additional comments or corrections greatly appreciated.