A6 Bleeding Brakes

[mpq123]

Hi,
I have changed the pads on my 2002 a6 a couple of times with no problems. I changed them yesterday again but when I was screwing the rear piston back in on the drivers when the tool broke and jammed in the capiler. I disconnected the capiler sorted the issue and put it back on and installed the pads.

I looked up a guide online and bled the system according to this but it wouldn't work. So I bought a bleeding kit today which you connect to reserve tank and the tyre for pressure but still no luck. I can't understand why this is happening and has me completely frustrated. My brakes are terrible unless you push the pedal to the floor and which point the ABS cuts in and the car slides. Could there be any other reason this is happening?

Thanks Michael

[phil miller]

when you open the bleed nipple and have someone push the peal to the floor do you have and fluid coming out? you still have air in the system, the best way to sort this is to have some clear tube on the bleed nipple and in to a jar with some clean brake fluid in the bottom, then open the bleed nipple and have someone pump the pedal to the floor and releasing it until there are no air bubbles in the jar, when all the air has gone get them to hold the pedal on the floor and tighten the bleeder, that will get rid of all the air, make sure the res is kept topped up and dont push the pedal to fast, steady is the best way, after you have finished press the pedal and hold pressure on it to check it doesnt creep, if it does then you either still have air in the system or you have a leak, hope it helps mate

[NickPicks]

Use a pressure bleeder (the gunsons one from halfords will do). connect it to the spare wheel after reducing the tyre pressue to 14psi.

open the bleed nipple with a clear hose on it (I use a bleed hose with non return valve and a bottle, but a normal clear hose will do)

let out about 200ml of fluid, and it should be sorted. I'd be tempted to do all four wheels so that you can call that your 2 yearly brake fluid change.

[Columbo]

The workshop manual CD says bleeding order should be:

Clutch cylinder
Front left (nearside)
Front right
Rear left
Rear Right.

Don't worry about the clutch one too much, though i did it and a load of black sludge came through.

I would do all four sides.

Pump the brakes 20 times with engine on and move hand brake up and down lots to get the self adjusters moving.

Keep an eye on the fluid level when bleeding don't let it drop too much other wise air will be pull into the top of the system.

[Peter D]

Did you open the bleed nipple when you pushed the pistons back. You may have sent up back up the system. Regards Peter

[Shaka1976]

I find these kits the easiest to use as they have a one way valve in to stop air getting back in to the system.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ONE-MAN-BRAKE-...item41530092a7

[mpq123]

Brake hose wasnt fitted on tight enought or flush on drivers rear caplier as I had to remove the capiler and it was causing the fluid to leak slowey.

[Peter D]

What torque did you use for the banjo bolt. It should be 40nm. Was it fitted with copper washers. Regards Peter