Brake/ABS Bleeding... Can ABS be done manually?

[NetStable 0]

Hi All

Have just recently replaced my rear bushes (won't be doing that job again in a hurry...) and decided to replace all my rear brake hoses too, The problem is that I can't seem to get the brakes bled at all! They feel firm until the car is started then they go to sh*t. Another problem I have is that my ABS is more temperemental than my missus and as a result, I cannot get my vag-com to speak to it in order to bleed the ABS. The VAG-COM (ebay job) comes back with "Too many communication errors" which is extremely helpful.

I notice there are bleed valves on the ABS, can I bleed them manually at alland if not, do you know how I can get around the "Too many communication errors" problem?

Thanks for having the patience to read my rambling post and your help is greatly appreciated!

[NetStable 0]

Just to reply to my own question, I hadn't realised there was a bleed nipple under the brake fluid reservoir, bled that and all is sweet again!

[ThermalP4 1]

Can i ask how you bled the ABS mate?

I've found what looks like the bleed nipple behind the brake pedal but not sure how do undo.

[NetStable 0]

Ah sorry mate, I may have confused you a bit; the ABS can only be bled through the VAG-COM electronically as far as I am aware. I originally throught my problem was to do with this after bleeding all calipers, as it turned out I'd just missed a bleed valve on the hose connected to the brake fluid reservoir which has about 6mm head, bled that as you generally would and my brake pedal was firm again!

[ThermalP4 1]

Yeah just seen your other post answering my question.

Thanks for that.

I also recently had my front calipers changed and SS hoses put on and when I got it back from the garage the pedal would nearly hit the floor.

I found out about the VAG COM ABS procedure and for some reason by just doing the output tests on the ABS unit it cured it a bit.

[NetStable 0]

I couldn't do that because my VAG-COM won't talk to ABS (my ABS is fooked somewhere along the lines) it's another job to add to the list I guess!

[ThermalP4 1]

All sorted now.

Took it VW and they bled the brakes properly.

Should have done that in the first place.

[gazchill 0]

I have the same problem that was described here. Although I cant see a bleed nipple anywhere near the brake fluid resevior or on the MBC - Can anyone helo ?