nwcoug

I just replaced the calipers, rotors, and pads on the front brakes. When we tried to bleed the brakes, we get no brake fluid to the front passenger side caliper. We disconnected the line from the ABS brake mod.and could blow air through the line to the caliper. When reconnected we could still not get fluid to the caliper. We then replaced the ABS brake mod. unit and still have the same problem. We have good supply of fluid to all three other brakes. What gives? Any suggestions?

EinST

Welcome to the forum. Check the brake hose (talking about the hose that connects the caliper to the metal brake line). It may have collapsed internally.

nwcoug

Thanks for the suggestion but there is no fluid from the metal brake line to the rubber line either.

EinST

Based on your amended post, you figured it was an ABS problem which I agree with. By "ABS brake mod. unit," do mean the EBCM (electronic) or BPMV (hydraulic)? Also, is it a new part and is the ABS warning on? Are you using a scan tool capable of working the valves in the BPMV?

nwcoug

It is obvious you know more about brakes than I do. Both the the EBCM and the BPMV were replaced as a unit. The replacement was off a wrecked car from the junk yard. (What are the chances of a used replacement having the exact same defect?) The ABS warning light is not lighting but we continue to have the same symptoms of no fluid through the line to the right front caliper. We do not have the scan tool to which you refer. Logically it seems that fluid should be getting to all wheels if any are getting fluid...but that is the dilema.

EinST

I think yours has the DBC7 ABS (look it up on the web). Since the LF wheel gets the fluid, the master cylinder is capable of pushing the fluid through. Then, one of the valves inside the BPMV must not be at its normal resting position. A scan tool is required to troubleshoot. Don't, under any circumstances, open up the BPMV. There're springs that can seriously hurt you.

tech2

at this point you will probably need to do an automated abs bleed procedure which requires a full function scan tool. This will clear any trapped air in the bpmv.

BW56

Years ago i was told to bleed the brakes slowly as to not trigger the safety valve. Its what disables an open line to save some braking on the adjoining line. Did you start with that wheel to fast?

nwcoug

Thanks to all for the interest and responses. We have subsequently replaced the master cylinder and on the first attempt to bleed all the wheels we had success. Immediately thereafter the rear brakes were very sensative and would lock into a skid with just the slightest pressure. We had the car pressure bled with a scan tool and the brakes seem to pretty much be back to normal or actually better than than they have been for a long time.While running the scan tool various codes came up that were all easily resolved/cancelled with the exception of one. It is "C1278 TCS temporarily inhibited by PCM (engine problem)". Since the car is not equipped with Traction Control do you suppose this could be attributed to the replacement EBCM and the BPMV we installed. It might have come off a car that had TCS. Any harm in just ignoring this code?

Thanks again for your responses and sharing your experience.