So I'm ready to make my ABS jumper wire with switch and bleed the brakes on my '04. Question is, after doing the traditional bleed, I run the abs jumper for how long of a time? "On the whole time I am bleeding all 4 corners for the second time? or run the abs for a shorter/defined time then off then bleed? or run for a bit, do one side, run some more then do another side, etc for all 4 corners?

step 1: traditional bleed
step 2, operate jumper wire with switch to ABS (car off)
step 3: re bleed all 4 corners

Thanks!

 

The way my Nanocom runs the bleeding cycle is by operating the ABS for 2 seconds about five times and then stops. Then I repeat again and again and again until I'm done. I used to wait until the fluid ran clear to determine when I'm done, but I change it often enough that it's pretty clean coming out and sort of hard to notice. So instead I just get two liters and run them both through. More than enough. Brake fluid is cheap. Even the good stuff.

So to answer you question directly, if we're using the Nanocom's approach as a benchmark, no, do not run the pump continuously. Do it in short spurts, giving short rest times in between.

 

A few seconds until the fluid is clear and without bubbles. Then drive down some hills and activate HDC braking several times. Repeat ABS jumper bleeding.

 

Thanks, I'll try and replicate the nanocom program and run it a few bursts before each corner.

 

I did 10 second intervals when bleeding mine, I figured it must be rated for a higher duty cycle than that because its buzzing away when you’re off-roading.

 

You can get brake fluid in colors too if you are interested, that way you bleed until you see blue. Otherwise it is pretty obvious.

 

Would you use a long cord so you can open the bleeder while the ABS is actually buzzing, or just buzz, stop, then go bleed the corner; then re buzz, then bleed next corner?

 

Really? I used to cycle between ATE Super Blue and Type 200 (gold) but the DOT banned all brake fluid from having colors other than amber. Did this change?

 

Yes. Actually, you must activate the pump while at the wheel. As such make sure your cord is long enough to reach the rear driver wheel from the fuse box. I think my cord is something like 12 or 15 feet. What you want to do is crack the bleeder screw, activate the pump (which will pump fluid out) and then tighten the screw right before you turn the pump off. As someone mentioned earlier, what you want to do is actually 2 full bleeds. after you are done with your first one take it for a drive and find a parking lot/empty street, engage HDC and bring the truck up to 15 mph or so and let off the accelerator. The HDC system will kick in (even though you aren't on a hill) and you will hear the ABS pump activate. What you are a doing is flushing out the old brake fluid from the ABS module (which is not flushed out during a regular/power bleed due to the 2 loop nature of the ABS system). Once that fluid is flushed out and now in the brake line go back and rebleed the entire system to remove the brake fluid flushed from the ABS module.

Not gonna lie- its a pain when compared to a "regular" brake system which is why it's so rarely done properly. The good news is that you don't have to do both bleeds "in a row" you can do the first one then come back a week later, activate the HDC and do the second one (that's what I did). It's worth it to get new fluid in your ABS modulator, especially when so much of the capability of the D2 lies in it's traction control system.

 

So I did the deed last night and was mostly straightforward but a couple oddities came up. I used my shop air power bleeder as usual and the system didn't seem to like a lot of suction. The bleeder would "run out of fluid" and I ended up having to buzz the ABS to get more fluid to come out. I was able to let most "gravity" bleed down without any suction which worked but took much longer than my Defender does.

I did all four corners, then did them a second time, with buzzing the ABS to a bubble free and clean result.

So if I am to understand correctly, I should run the HDC next time I'm out and about then in the near future give a quick bleed again? (with or without ABS buzzing this third time if even needed)

Great idea on the ABS bypass: (this is what I did/used)