ABS Pump Swap and Brake Bleed

[JamesT5]

Before the MOT on the 21st (I think) of this month, I must swap my ABS Pump motor over for the replacement unit I have. I'm getting a bit twitchy now because the MOT date is fast looming and it will be a fail if I don't get this job done and having never touched the brake system before I'm very aware of the consequences if I makes a pigs ear of this. My considerations so far;

When I remove the ABS pump from the brake lines, I'm likely to lose a fair bit of flammable and highly corrosive brake fluid all over the place so I'll have to catch that before it destroys any thing.

I'll then have an 'open wound' which will then be filled by the new pump motor but the system will then be full of air which will have to be bled and I'll need to make sure the brake lines are fully tightened to avoid any leaks.

Having never bled brakes before (honestly I haven't), this is a job I was going to get help with or pay a Volvo specialist to do. However, with time and options running out, I thought about biting the bullet and tackling the job myself, on my own, with the help of one of these....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAKE-PADS...item3a643e298c

I know I could save 30 quid and just get a helper but it's not that easy and I may have to do this job at the drop of a hat, for instance if I get a good day of weather between now and the MOT date.

Has anyone used this kit or one like it and is there any sensible advice that anyone can offer on this job?

[JamesT5]

Just corrected typo in the title by the way.

[JamesT5]

My third option is to change the pump motor over and 'crawl' the car in to town to a local garage to have the brakes bled.

[Harvey]

The easy bleed unit works well very easy to use, I use a inner tube for pressure it don't go above 10-12 psi as you could splt the tank.

[graemewelch]

James DO NOT limp the car anywear with out the brakes being bleed properly. I dont like to use easy bleed kits. I prefer the old fashioned two man way

[stribo]

To be fair James, and please don't take this the wrong way, but, if you don't know what you're doing when working on a crucial system like the brakes, get someone that does. It's all very well getting hints and tips from here, but nothing replaces experience, and if you do make a mistake, it could cost you or others their lives.

[V70 Graham]

I must say I agree with Steve on this one.....if in any doubt have it done for you, it really isn't worth trying to save a few quid for the risk.

[JamesT5]

Prior to reading the replies, I have e-mailed GRN for a quote for getting the job done. Physically changing the pump over is fairly simple, it's just the associated work afterwards that's my biggest concern.

[graemewelch]

Might as get the system flushed at same time. Id say your looking at 150-220

[silverhorse]

if you don't know what you're doing when working on a crucial system like the brakes, get someone that does. It's all very well getting hints and tips from here, but nothing replaces experience, and if you do make a mistake, it could cost you or others their lives.

Totally agree with this James. All very well limping home with a wing mirror hanging off, but the brakes... Wise words here mate.

[JamesT5]

Might as get the system flushed at same time. Id say your looking at 150-220

You kidding or what? 150 - 200K? Last year I had a complete set of calipers, rotas, pads and rear brake shoes. I'd like to think that the brake fluid change they charged me for was actually done. Then there's 196K + of full Volvo Dealer service history!

[graemewelch]

Fluid change is peanuts for materials. Its all labour. Most the fluid will be flushed out anyway as the airlocks will be near the begining of the system

[graemewelch]

You kidding or what? 150 - 200K? Last year I had a complete set of calipers, rotas, pads and rear brake shoes. I'd like to think that the brake fluid change they charged me for was actually done. Then there's 196K + of full Volvo Dealer service history!

150-220 quid james. Dont know wear the k came from

[JamesT5]

150-220 quid james. Dont know wear the k came from

You weren't referring to 000's of miles, perhaps use a £ or something to help with clarification in the future.

If it's price your referring to, I'll await the quote from GRN and go from there.

[graemewelch]

[QUOTE=JamesT5;694033]You weren't referring to 000's of miles, perhaps use a £ or something to help with clarification in the future.

it was a TYPO. Wont be the first or the last.

[stribo]

[QUOTE=graemewelch;694034]

You weren't referring to 000's of miles, perhaps use a £ or something to help with clarification in the future.

it was a TYPO. Wont be the first or the last.

What you lack in your keyboard skills mate, you more than make up for in your fabrication/welding skills.

[graemewelch]

[QUOTE=stribo;694044]

What you lack in your keyboard skills mate, you more than make up for in your fabrication/welding skills.

cheers fella but dont forget about my mechanical skills to

[stribo]

[QUOTE=graemewelch;694047]

cheers fella but dont forget about my mechanical skills to

Nah, don't rate you as a mechanic.

[jdavis]

One area I don't work on on my car is the brakes. Get a garage to do it if you don't feel confident James.