JP-4.5

I have replaced my front calipers and felx line to calipers. When reading the manual for bleeding procedure it states I need DRB tool to accomplish proper bleeding.. Any thoughts on this? Ways around this as I do not have a DRB tool.
Wish my Smarty could do this..

STANDARD PROCEDURE - ABS BRAKE
BLEEDING
ABS system bleeding requires conventional bleeding
methods plus use of the DRB scan tool. The procedure
involves performing a base brake bleeding,
followed by use of the scan tool to cycle and bleed the
HCU pump and solenoids. A second base brake bleeding
procedure is then required to remove any air
remaining in the system.
(1) Perform base brake bleeding,(Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE) OR (Refer to
5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Connect scan tool to the Data Link Connector.
(3) Select ANTILOCK BRAKES, followed by MISCELLANEOUS,
then ABS BRAKES. Follow the
instructions displayed. When scan tool displays TEST
COMPLETE, disconnect scan tool and proceed.
(4) Perform base brake bleeding a second time,(Refer
to 5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE) OR
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Top off master cylinder fluid level and verify
proper brake operation before moving vehicle.

tslewisz

Interested in comments since I've been feeling the need to replace my brake fluid.

BigIron70

You'll know when you road test if any air is still in the HCU, spongy brake pedal. Had similar problem on other vehicle after brake job. I had to bleed HCU with WiTech (newer vehicle) to remove air that wouldn't come out after bleeding.

JP-4.5

Any way around this without using some type of scan tool?
Was hoping to bleed system without use of a scan tool if possible.

luke03cr

I wouldnt think you would have a problem bleeding them without a scan tool. i replaced 1 of my rear calipers not long ago when i did a rear brake job on my 03. Just fill the resivoir up, have a buddy pump and hold brake pedal, then start at farthest caliper from master cylinder. then crack open bleeder screw till air is out, then move on to next farthest caliper and repeat. I had no problem doing this on my 03 without a scan tool. I dont even see why you would possibly need 1?

JP-4.5

I had replaced the rears awhile ago and had not problem. The front has a seperate block that is for the ABS.. Much of the fluid in the front was drained from replacing the front calipers and flexible lines. The brakes do not feel spongy but I have no way of knowing of air got into the ABS block while the front lines were open? The front brake lines from the master cylinder go thru several ABS items(pumps and valves) that I think could trap air. They are only cycled electronically so manually bleeding the front brakes will never move fluid inside the ABS portion of the system. That is why I believe the ScanTool is required.

My question is if anyone knows of a method of accomplishing this without the use of a Scantool? jumper somewhere? Pull a fuse? Any other way? I will manually bleed the front system and see how the brakes operate. Was just hoping there was some other way other than a tool that costs$$$.

Dr.Dizzle

There is no other safe method or work around,other than the scan tool. If you feel it is necessary, have a local dealership perform this service. I have not needed this to perform routine brake fluid exchanges.

GreyTD

If you want to move fluild through the ABS system, find yourself a gravel road, get up to 30mph and hammer the brakes so the ABS kicks in. Do it two or three times, then rebleed your brakes as normal. Just an idea.