Prof

Having an issue with a spongy brake pedal, told else where that a dealership has to bleed brake systems due to special equipment to cycle ABS valves during the bleed; is this accurate? On a 2005?

650NutKase

I've done regular bleeding on abs brakes. I've had no issues thus far.


http://www.aa1car.com/library/abs_bleeding.htm

hahanson

It depends. Some ABS systems do have a separate reservoir that holds fluid and will remain segregated unless the valves are open. If you don't use the special tool to open the valve, the only thing that happens is when it eventually does open it will circulate some old fluid into the main system -- doesn't really hurt anything. This actually only needs to be done if you are FLUSHING AND FILLING YOUR ENTIRE SYSTEM.. If you are simply trying to bleed vapor and/or used fluid from the wheel-end components (for example you replaced a caliper) you need only to bleed the brakes as you normally would.

Not sure the Fords need it though, as in another forum a user referenced a service manual to state, "Here is a portion of the ABS system overview from the factory service manual, it appears that the ABS pump is in a 'normally open' mode, allowing brake fluid to flow thru it during normal operation, so bleeding the brake system will also cause new fluid to be introduced into the ABS pump. The only place where 'old' fluid might be retained in the the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) accumulator. However, Ford does not think that this needs special attention when changing out fluid."

Hope that helps.