Hey all,

So I've never bled my own brakes before, and it's something I'd like to learn to save $$$...I taught myself how to do the pads, and I've already saved a bunch of cash.

The AudiWorld DIY notes that that "a VAGCOM is required for cars equipped with ESP." Just wondering what the deal is what that, I couldn't figure why the VAG-COM is necessary or what should be done with it. The walkthrough I'm referencing is here:

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel139.shtml

Seems to be a fairly easy job though, but I don't want to F-up my master cylinder. Do most of you manually pump the brakes with the help of a buddy, or do you use one of those vacuum pumps? Any other tips or tricks?

Thx

 

To bleed the brakes I open the bleeder screw, then get a friend and have them push down on on the pedal all the way. Once its to the floor I close the bleeder (to prevent air geting in the system). I repeat this process until when I close the bleeder the pedal is hard. I replaced my brake fluid in this manner.

Start with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder, and work to the one closest to the MC.

Not sure on the VAG. Typically to bleed ABS systems you need a computer, but usually activating the ABD under braking can work too.

 

I believe the ESP measures the pads thickness so its logged on the ECU but not 100% sure because I don't work on the latest cars Audi do that at rip off prices, although I have changes quite a few in my time I have never needed VAG to reset things, I use a one man bleed setup my self which is very cheap to buy

 

I use either the vacuum pump or have a friend help out. Either way its simple.

 

Just make sure you have the cap on the master cylinder when you push down on the pedals and dont put your face over the bleeder when someone pushes the pedal down, that would be brake fluid in the eye, and thats no fun.