So I am going to be replacing my front brake pads this weekend and I plan on flushing the brake fluid while I am at it. I have never done this to a car with ABS -- but have done this to several cars w/o ABS. Are the steps the same, or is there any wierd ABS stuff I need to do?

--Matt

 

Do the brake pads and then take it to a dealership and have them flush the system to make sure all of the old fluid is out.

 

No different with ABS or without ABS they bleed the same way. Do it yourself since you have the knowledge and save the bucks the dealer wants. Why not upgrade the lines to SS while you are at it.

 

Its not exactly the same as without flushing it, there will be fluid left in the ABS pump itself. Thats why I say to take it to a dealership where they have a machine for flushing the system.

 

Without the dealership using a machine to bleed the ABS pump there is no way to get the fluid out of it because you won't be able to engage the pump to make it push the fluid out. I'm sure there might be some way to force it to but it would just be easier to let the dealership do it. If the pumps been flushed out and all the fluid in the system is the same then in the future you can just do it yourself.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about the fluid in the ABS unit. As long as you're not switching to a Silicone-based fluid (no good reason to do this) the amount of fluid in the ABS unit is not much. If it does mix with the new fluid, it should have a minimal effect on it. In addition, it's much higher up in system where you don't NEED high-temp fluid as much. Hence why you tend to boil fluid closest to the caliper and need to bleed it out.

 

Every time you start your car and then begin moving, the ABS goes through a self-test sequence which includes cycling the solenoids and moving new fluid through the ABS reservoir. This reservoir is tiny and, as long as you change your fluid at least every year or two, will not be a problem. It's much like changing the oil in your car. There is always oil left in the bottom of the oil pan and also clinging to all the interior surfaces.

Bottom line: traditional bleeding techniques are fine for ABS-equipped cars.