Bleeding ABS Brakes

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Dec 28, 2005 | 11:56 AM

wiseguy

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From: Northern MD

Bleeding ABS Brakes

I want to bleed the brakes on my wife's 98 Explorer, but was wondering if I'll run into any problems because of the ABS. I've read that on some models you need an ABS code reader to reset the ABS after bleeding the brakes. Does anybody know the right way to bleed them? Thanks.

Dec 28, 2005 | 01:30 PM

oojbearoo

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i recently did my 96 xlt and didnt have ne light come on if that helps at all

Dec 29, 2005 | 12:21 AM

Monty06

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From: miami florida

in order here goes rear right,front right,rear left,front left
if you do the front you also have to bleed the rear vice versa.

Dec 29, 2005 | 05:35 AM

wiseguy

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From: Northern MD

I'll bleed them normally and see if the light comes on. Hopefully that feature is only on the newer models and I can replace the fluid without having any problems. I hate ABS. It adds so much complexity to a very simple system. Thanks, guys.

Dec 30, 2005 | 04:09 AM

allan1010

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According to my Haynes you only need the ABS bleeding gizmo on the pre- 96 models.
Bleeding without the gizmo leaves the pedal soft & spongy like it still has air trapped.

Dec 30, 2005 | 05:38 AM

wiseguy

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From: Northern MD

Thanks Allan. The one manual I had taken out of the library didn't even mention ABS when bleeding the brakes. Fortunately my wife's is a 98, so it looks like there shouldn't be any problems.

Dec 30, 2005 | 05:57 AM

allan1010

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No problem, that was just FYI because you mentioned needing something to re-set the system. AFAIK it isn't a code reader but rather some kind of one-way valve or gizmo that you attach to an outlet on the side of the master cylinder. Mine's a '97 and didn't need it. Yours should be fine.

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Jan 29, 2006 | 04:09 PM

joebogey

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My wife's truck is a '97 XLT with ABS. The only time you need the special ABS gizmo is if you run the master dry and get air in the system. With the way it's plumbed normal bleading won't get the trapped air out of the ABS valving that's below the master. So as long as you blead the brakes nomral and keep the master full of fluid you're fine.