2001 A6, 167k miles and my mechanic said I needed new front brake hoses. They're old and cracked. $275 installed or $35 each and I can do them myself.
Are there any bleeding tricks I need to know for this model that has ESP and anti-lock brakes?
Thanks for any help and tips.

 

You might want to look into stainless steel brake lines. Cost should be similar. Try ECS Tuning and google search.

 

I just bought those (ECS - stainless steel brake lines) this week because my old lines are crumbling and flaking apart. Cost is about 90 bucks for a complete kit (front and rear). Surprisingly I couldn't find cheaper ones that I would trust so ECS got my business.

I'm planing on replacing the brake fluid at the same time and hope this will make my pedal feel happier.

From my research it seems we should bleed our brakes in the following order:
rear passenger, rear driver, front passenger, front driver.

So basically pump the brake pedal several times and hold it (don't floor it!) then have someone open the bleeder screw on the side you want to bleed, so that air+fluid will escape through the bleeder screw and make sure you always have enough fluid in the reservoir. Close the bleeder screw when done and move on to the next one.


Edit:
Here is a nice summary with pictures of how to do it properly with a pressure bleeder system:
http://forums.audiworld.com/showpost...48&postcount=9

 

Other than making sure to do it in the right order, just bleed normally. Pump Brake pedal, crack bleeder screw, pedal to the floor and close bleeder screw. Don't let reservoir run dry.
Sounds pretty simple.
Thanks for the help.

 

The owner's manual calls for replacing the brake fluid every two years regardless of mileage. I probably have mine changed every 3 years which is about 50k miles. Check your manual for the proper brake fluid. I do not think it takes a normal DOT3 or 4.

 

Thanks sheldon and ppgoal