bleeding abs brakes

[Dennis Harrelson]

Last night coming home, my DD '97 Ranger lost brake pedal. I drove the remainder of the way (40 +/_ miles) on what was left. Got home, took a look under the rear since I was pretty sure it was the rear which went south, and found that indeed it looks like the RR wheel cyl failed allowing the fluid to seek freedom all over the back side of the wheel.

Does anyone know if this would evacuate the ABS resevoir, thus requiring the use of the special "pulsing the ABS system high dollar tool and procedure"? Or can I just fix the brakes and flush and bleed like a normal person? What if the special tool is needed and I just do it regular? Would the brakes then fail catostropically, or would the ABS just not work properly?

Man, I hate vehicles that are smarter than me.

 

[AzPete]

Found this.... http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_bleeding_abs.shtml Had to laugh at the suggested method of no special tool...

Some reading indicates if you did not get an ABS light before the repair, then normal bleeding will work.

I have never had to do this so ........................

also.... http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/sho ... hp?t=35821

 

[Dennis Harrelson]

Found this.... http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_bleeding_abs.shtml Had to laugh at the suggested method of no special tool...

Yeah, I saw that when I googled. Probably what I'll do...Gangway, please...

Some reading indicates if you did not get an ABS light before the repair, then normal bleeding will work.

I have never had to do this so ........................

The light is on.

also.... http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/sho ... hp?t=35821

Thanks, Pete. The explorer link is pretty helpful, I hadn't seen it. After some more cursory exploration, It looks like the truck either has just rear abs, or it's been removed, 'cause I don't see anything but a master cyl & two lines. So I think I'll just do a brake & bleed job, stomp the pedal a few times, and hope for the best. Geronimo!

 

[AzPete]

Be sure to wear your seat belt on the test drive........lol

 

[bigb427]

It looks like the truck either has just rear abs, or it's been removed, 'cause I don't see anything but a master cyl & two lines. So I think I'll just do a brake & bleed job, stomp the pedal a few times, and hope for the best. Geronimo!

Your Ranger sounds as if it has rear ABS or "RABS" as Ford calls it. It was standard with 4 wheel ABS being optional.

If you are very lucky, you will get by with just the manual brake bleeding (pumping the pedal). If not, you will most likely need to take it to a dealership to have it bled properly.

Good luck!

 

[Dennis Harrelson]

Well, I sure got out of this one easier than I expected. Replaced everything in the rear drums, bled the rears normally, and everything seems hunky-dory. The lights went out, the pedal's good, everything feels fine. Wow. I feel like i dodged a bullet.
Thanks for the replies.