C70 2006 - cannot bleed brakes - master cylinder shot?

[Simian]

I recently had my ABS pump refurbished which has removed the Anti-skid warning light / BCM-0130 error code.

The pump was off the car for a week while being turned around, I was expecting to have to bleed the brakes after refitting. I cannot get an uninterrupted stream of fluid out of the bleed vales on the calipers, a dribble is the best I see. Tried with an Eezibleed (cheap one-way valve thing) and a vacuum pump.

The brake pedal feel is weird - get slight pressure building then it fades, sometimes with a faint click feel.

I've ordered a pressure bleeding kit - is that likely to help or should I be thinking about a new master cylinder?

[cheshired5]

I would activate the ABS valves with Vida as they may be restricting fluid flow.
It helped with a V70 previously where one caliper would not pressure bleed.

If you don't have Vida, on a front wheel drive car, you could also get the front wheels off the ground and get them spinning in gear and brake to activate the ABS that way instead. Repeat a few times.
If the front calipers then bleed ok, the theory is proven.

[Simian]

thanks - yes, I have VIDA from a very reputable source, you'd like him

I did try activating the valves in turn - dunno if there is a better way?


I'll try the pressure bleeder next.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by Simian

thanks - yes, I have VIDA from a very reputable source, you'd like him

I did try activating the valves in turn - dunno if there is a better way?

I'll try the pressure bleeder next.

Lol. Apologies Paul. It's difficult to keep up with forum names and real names.

Braking on wet grass/loose gravel could work but seeing as the car isn't definitely driveable, doing the activations with Vida is the safest bet.

I use the Sealey VS820 pressure bleeder and it has proved to be invaluable.

[Whyman]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

Lol. Apologies Paul. It's difficult to keep up with forum names and real names.

Braking on wet grass/loose gravel could work but seeing as the car isn't definitely driveable, doing the activations with Vida is the safest bet.

I use the Sealey VS820 pressure bleeder and it has proved to be invaluable.

Many years ago we had the first car with ABS brakes on test, a Sierra XR 4x4.

When the Police driving instructor brought the car back to the workshop to return it to Ford I asked him if they had tested the ABS. Yes he replied we got up to 70mph put the near side wheels on the grass verge and stood on the brakes. They worked fine.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by Whyman

Many years ago we had the first car with ABS brakes on test, a Sierra XR 4x4.

When the Police driving instructor brought the car back to the workshop to return it to Ford I asked him if they had tested the ABS. Yes he replied we got up to 70mph put the near side wheels on the grass verge and stood on the brakes. They worked fine.

That's a pretty extreme test.
I always thought the Granada was Ford's first ABS car..... I'm sure I remember the TV ads from the early/mid 80s.

[Simian]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

I use the Sealey VS820 pressure bleeder and it has proved to be invaluable.

Indeed - mine arrived yesterday and I gave it a go this morning. Very easy to use and after a bit of spluttering as the air came out I got a good bleed and the pedal firmed right up. Absolutely brilliant bit of kit.