Rear brake line replacement and bleeding question

[ratterrier]

Hi Folks,

My 1996 Explorer developed a leak in the one-piece steel brake tube that runs along the rear axle. Enough fluid leaked out that the master cylinder emptied. I don't know how much more leaked out, but it's possible the line leading to the rear axle emptied too.

I replaced the rear axle tubing, put fresh fluid in the master cylinder, and was about to bleed the lines when I saw in my Haynes manual that there might be a problem with air getting in the Hydraulic control unit if I didn't use a special anti-lock test adapter that must be plugged into the control module. I've never had experience bleeding ABS brakes before, and was hoping to get fluid in the lines to push out any moisture or contaminated fluid that may be in the lines.

So I was wondering, if I bled the lines using the conventional way just to get fluid in them, would I be able to get a shop with the proper tool get the air out of the HCU at that point? Or must that tool be used before any bleeding is done? Are there any other methods I could use? Right now the truck cannot be moved.

Any advice regarding this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Richard

 

[swetrid]

Just try conventional bleeding and you should be ok. If not then take it to the dealership. Very few times have I ever had to due the abs service bleed.

 

[drdoom]

+1

Just try conventional bleeding and you should be ok. If not then take it to the dealership. Very few times have I ever had to due the abs service bleed.

I recently replaced the same line, and just bled the rears. It works just fine.