can I bleed these brakes?

[kd3yt]

Hi all,
I just recently bought a 2002 Ford Ranger Edge pickup. I would like to flush the brakes. The truck has 4 wheel ABS, can I bleed my own brakes with the ABS?? I have heard both yes and no. I would like to just gravity bleed if possible.

 

[Lonnie]

I bought a vacuum pump thing from Griot's and as far as I can figure it, you just follow the instructions. Their vacuum extractor for engine oil and transmission fluid works great.

 

[RogerKlugerAus05]

I understand that the abs valves must be activated by an external force, usually a dealers computer, before a full flush/purge can be achieved. I have a vac extractor but because of the aforementioned I shall leave the brake fluid change, reluctantly, to the dealer.
Roger

 

[Tempest]

I have bled the brakes on my 99 Ranger successfully. I have rear wheel ABS only though. I would bleed as normal, and then take it out to a safe area and purposely get the ABS to activate a few times. Then bleed again if you are really worried about it.

 

[truav8r]

I just did a brake bleed on the Escape today. It has ABS. I used a Motive power bleeder and ATE Super Blue fluid. Without cycling the ABS system, yes there is some old fluid left behind. I plan to run the car like normal, and over the winter I will no doubt engage the ABS a few times in the PA snow. That will push out the older fluid, then maybe this time next year I will do another bleed and consider the system fully flushed.

 

[jaj]

For a complete ABS flush you need to flush twice (Yeah, I know, it's a long way to the kitchen...). You can get the fluid out of the lines by extended bleeding (my car takes 8 ounces per wheel) but you have to cycle the ABS to clean out the pump and the valve body.

After the first flush take it out somewhere SAFE (parking lot, gravel back road) where you can engage the ABS a few times. Then flush again - you're done!