bleeding brakes with vacuum pump bad?

[stangg01]

I was watching "HorsePowerTV" and they said that they were not using a vacuum pump to bleed the brakes because it could damage the ABS. Is this true? I just blead my brakes with a vacuum pump. The test drive did not though any codes. Should I bleed the brakes again the gas pedal pumping way?

 

[jstreet0204]

Thats what I use. If it could cause damage its news to me. Did they say how?

 

[stangg01]

No, the kid said that air can get in and damage the ABS.
I don't see how it can, anymore that than any other method.

 

[stangg01]

Knowing that I'm not the only one who bleeds the brakes with a vacuum pump as I have for 20 years makes me feel better.
This is my first ABS brake bleeding job I've done.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I don't think the vacuum pump itself is bad, but if you let air get into the ABS pump/modulator it's very difficult to get it out.

I think they are just trying to save the beginner mechanic a lot of headaches if they try to bleed that way and fail

 

[stangg01]

If air gets into the ABS pump/modulator will it trip an error code or damage the ABS pump/modulator?

 

[RedDaemon]

it will punch you in the face

dont worry. if u know what ur doing you shouldnt have a problem

 

[bdcardinal]

i use an automatic master refiller when i flush my brakes. i got mine from MATCO, but im sure other places sell it. basically it sits on top of the master cylinder and as you bleed the old fluid out, it tops off the master cylinder. never had one run dry.

 

[DTNODYA]

I have a mityvac (or whatever) and have not had success with bleeding brakes on my Mustang or truck. I mean, it seemed to be working but the pedal would still not feel stiff enough ... Last weekend I had a friend help me bleed them (on both vehicles) the ole fashion way and I had tons of air in both systems and now my brakes work perfectly. Take that for what you will.

 

[stangg01]

DTNODYA

When you bleed the brakes with mityvac, did you have the cap on the master cylinder? I do, and I pump the vacuum up to 15 PSI. The fluid comes out in a steady flow until I relieve the pressure.

I don't see how I can have a problem with air in the system. No air is introduced.

 

[trailblazr81]

Ive done both ways on my Mustang, and on many other cars and trucks, old and new. I just check the fluid level after I do each wheel and top off to make sure I dont drain the MC. No problems. Do whichever werks for you.