While replacing my <a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/2612687.phtml">ABS control module</a> recently I discovered my right front brake line rubber outer covering was cracked and exposing the inner braided nylon reinforcement. I also notice that both CV joint boots are cracking, but not cracked through yet, but I'll save that post for later.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/4377/hosecrack1.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/4377/hosecrack2.jpg">

I decided to replace all the lines (six total) with braided steel lines. I have done this on multiple motorcycles, but do not expect the same increase in 'feel.'

Anyway, others had experienced problems with rounding and otherwise mangling the nuts that attach the hard lines to the flexible hoses. I PB Blasted each joint and gently center-punched one fo the flats, on each nut, to loosen it further. I had no problem loosening all the connections on this 92,000 mile vehicle.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/4377/pbblaster.jpg">

I used the proper 11 mm flare wrench as shown.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/4377/flarewrench.jpg">

I used a motive bleeder to bleed the lines after I had installed them all. I bled them in the order specified in the manual, RR, LR, RF, LF.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/4377/motive.jpg">

Unfortunately, I tried to use it without filling it with fluid, hoping to keep an eye on the fluid level and top off as necesary. I think I failed and injected some air in the system, which I still haven't completely purged.

I plan to do the Vag-Com ABS trick to purge the ABS circuit to purge any air out of it. Unfortunatley I have to get all four wheels off the ground at the same time to do this. If anyone as jack-stand, jack-stand-pad and placement recommendations, I would be grateful.

Heres the success shot:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/4377/newStainless.jpg">

I purchased the Dot 4 fluid, lines and motive bleeder from <a href="http://www.purems.com">Pure Motorsports</a>.

 

did you just pull the lines off (and make a huge mess or opened the bleeder screw 'till nothing came out? I've never quite understood how the system worked, or if you can use the Motive to simply push all the fluid out of the system.

 

I pulled the Right Rear off first, with the Motive bleeder hooked up, empty, and not pressurized. Then with one end of the disconnected line pointed at a bucket, I flushed most of the fluid through. Once nothing came out but air. I proceeded to replace that line and the other RR line between the frame and lower suspension link. I did the same thing in the order specified, RR, LR, RF and LF.

Then, I should have filled the motive with fluid, and pushed fluid to the RR, etc, until there were no bubbles in the clear line attached to the bleed screw.

 

just didn't want to do it and then discover I screwed something up :-)

 

about that air... did you bleed the clutch?

 

No, but it feels the same... should I?

 

but maybe someone more knowledgeable than me should chime in

 

are you talking about??? There is nothing to bleed from the ABS system on the 98.5, just the brakes that you have already done. Put the vehilce on on four jack stands and start at the right rear and do it all over again with plenty of fluid in the bleeder.

The four jack stand points are shown on the spot welds marked with the arrows on the side.

 

<a href="http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/cars/absbleeding.html">ABS bleeding per Ross-Tech</a>

Bently mentions this too, but I see that it makes note of ESP, which I don't think I have:

"On models with the electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), note that the hydraulic pump is actuated for 10 seconds using "Basic Settings" function 04, display group 002 =&gt; page AUDI-B5-SU03-45-005-0345-49."

So, I don't need to worry about the ABS?

 

"On vehicles with manual transmission, the clutch slave cylinder must also be flushed out with new brake fluid."

This is from the Flushing section of Bentley, not the bleeding section.

I assume this is just to get out every last drop of the old fluid and not to remove air in the system.

I'll probably do it anyway.