Front brake bleeding

[mikesg]

Hello folks
A bit of expert advice required if poss please.
Due to a fluid leak on the front o/s brake caliper, I've decided to replace both calipers & hoses on the front of my TZD with ABS. Might just as well do both while the car is up in the air!!
First of all, what sort of pitfalls mighr I encounter ? Are any seals required wheh replacing the new hoses? etc.
Secondly, what is the proceedure for bleeding the brakes please? (engine running etc)
I am aware of the abs hoses being different from others and was able to buy probably the last one in the UK, for £18. It is possible to get them from France for about £30 (p/n 95632790)
Thanks in advance for reading this and for any advice posted
All the best to everyone and a happy New Year
Mike.

[mat_fenwick]

Hi Mike, no specific pitfalls I can think of so long as the rigid to flexi pipe union comes undone OK. Obviously engine running for bleeding the brakes, and you can wedge a piece of wood between the steering wheel and the pedal to hold it down continuously. That way you can just move from wheel to wheel once any bubbles stop.

[JayW]

Pretty much as Mat says, just don't press the pedal while the hoses are off or you'll suck air into the modulator which will be more difficult to bleed out.

Clean the ABS sensors while you're there and give the exciters a good wire-brushing.

No need for pumping of the pedal, just leave the nipples done up, start the engine, chock the pedal down then just release the nipple gently to release the air and move onto the next.

[citronut]

flexi hose's with that part No. are still showing as available from citroen

Part Number Description Quantity Price excl. VAT Price incl. VAT Total incl. VAT Selection
95632790 BRAKE HOSE FRNT 23.50 GBP 28.20 GBP 28.20 GBP

or do a goooogly search with the part No.

here is one result that came up

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-BX-Va ... 0971026600" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

regards malcolm

[Tinkley]

It is pretty straight forward as outlined above by others. Personally I usually jam a piece of wood to underside of seat, rather than steering wheel but same difference.

Use a very good quality socket to release the brake caliper bleed nipples. It saves burring them for future use ie bleeding. Again use really tight fit spanners when you undo the flexys but I have not had a problem changing them. I've done it a couple of times with no issue. Make sure the hard piping is correctly seated to the seal though, as it is possible to get it to engage in a false way with a vestigial hold on the thread. Once you have locked out the connecting part (hard piping) with the 8mmm flats connector (fine thread) properly you should be fine.

Your old calipers may be fine if the pistons are not scored and a seal kit if you can find one may allow you to refurb them.