Home Forums Articles How To's FAQ Register
Go Back   Xoutpost.com > BMW SAV Forums > X5 (E53) Forum
Fluid Motor Union
User Name
Password
Member List Premier Membership Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Xoutpost server transfer and maintenance is occurring....
Xoutpost is currently undergoing a planned server migration.... stay tuned for new developments.... sincerely, the management


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-07-2021, 03:01 PM
haigha's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Machine
Posts: 1,436
haigha is on a distinguished road
Question ABS bleed/pressure brake bleed filling the X5's reservoir (bonus 3-year Bosch fluid)

My mechanic friend is recovering from surgery so time to try it alone.

I've read several threads here including the one below on the procedure and another long one on the Motive bleeder. I also watched some YouTube videos on the procedure. Seems straightforward.

https://xoutpost.com/images/articles...rakebleed.html

It has been over four years since the last flush. I know the fact that it's less than four thousand miles ago is not an excuse. Would have done it last year if not for the pandemic and my friend's health problems. In good news, the brake pedal still works well and feels normal.

Because it has been too long, I plan to use the Foxwell 620 pro to clear the ABS fluid first. So I think I'll have all four corners on jack stands, to avoid lifting each wheel twice.
My questions arose because a few people said that instead of filling the bleeder, they filled the X5 brake fluid reservoir, depressurizing after each wheel and re-filling the reservoir. I like the idea of not having to clean the pressure bleeder when done.

Q1. Is there enough in a full X5 reservoir to do the ABS flush procedure on all four wheels? From the videos I watched that part doesn't seem to eject much fluid per wheel. I do not think it needs the pressure bleeder attached for this one, so it'll be easy to check after each wheel, just curious to hear from someone who has done it.

Q2. It didn't seem like the engine was running when doing the ABS bleed. It is that right?

Q3. When filling the reservoir with fluid for each wheel, do you fill it beyond the maximum fill line, or is filling it to that level enough for one wheel? I know I'll have to depressurize, re-fill and check for pressure leaks after each wheel. That seems like it'll only take a few minutes per wheel.

I plan to use this Bosch ESI6 fluid which is DOT 5.1, 4 and 3 compatible. A key advantage is it lasts for three years instead of the two specified for most DOT 4 fluids. Currently ~$12.50 per quart on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07338GQM8

Last edited by haigha; 04-07-2021 at 03:18 PM. Reason: Price of fluid went up from $9.61 shortly after posting :(
Reply With Quote

Sponsored Links

  #2  
Old 04-08-2021, 09:21 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Canada
Posts: 634
c-bass is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by haigha View Post
My mechanic friend is recovering from surgery so time to try it alone.

I've read several threads here including the one below on the procedure and another long one on the Motive bleeder. I also watched some YouTube videos on the procedure. Seems straightforward.

https://xoutpost.com/images/articles...rakebleed.html

It has been over four years since the last flush. I know the fact that it's less than four thousand miles ago is not an excuse. Would have done it last year if not for the pandemic and my friend's health problems. In good news, the brake pedal still works well and feels normal.

Because it has been too long, I plan to use the Foxwell 620 pro to clear the ABS fluid first. So I think I'll have all four corners on jack stands, to avoid lifting each wheel twice.
My questions arose because a few people said that instead of filling the bleeder, they filled the X5 brake fluid reservoir, depressurizing after each wheel and re-filling the reservoir. I like the idea of not having to clean the pressure bleeder when done.

Q1. Is there enough in a full X5 reservoir to do the ABS flush procedure on all four wheels? From the videos I watched that part doesn't seem to eject much fluid per wheel. I do not think it needs the pressure bleeder attached for this one, so it'll be easy to check after each wheel, just curious to hear from someone who has done it.

No, a complete flush takes about 1 liter of fluid

Q2. It didn't seem like the engine was running when doing the ABS bleed. It is that right?

No need to have the engine running however I strongly suggest you have a battery charger hooked up while you're triggering the ABS pump as it can draw down the battery fairly quickly.

Q3. When filling the reservoir with fluid for each wheel, do you fill it beyond the maximum fill line, or is filling it to that level enough for one wheel? I know I'll have to depressurize, re-fill and check for pressure leaks after each wheel. That seems like it'll only take a few minutes per wheel.

I filled it beyond the MAX line because you're going to be draining fluid anyway so it might give you a few extra pumps before you have to refill it. If once you're done the fluid level is too high then you can suck some out easily.


I plan to use this Bosch ESI6 fluid which is DOT 5.1, 4 and 3 compatible. A key advantage is it lasts for three years instead of the two specified for most DOT 4 fluids. Currently ~$12.50 per quart on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07338GQM8
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-08-2021, 11:33 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 1,609
cn90 is on a distinguished road
- I use an ATE cap that I modified to fit the air compressor, set at 10 psi.

- No software needed.

- Car on driveway, no need to remove wheels or jack it up.

- Any fluid that is possibly contaminated, it is in the caliper, which is expelled during bleeding.

- By using the modified ATE cap, I do not need to clean anything at all.

- The whole thing is done in 30 minutes from start to finish.

- I wrote it up on bimmerfest forum E39 section (search under "1-man brake bleeding").
__________________
1998 E39 528i 5sp MT
2006 E53 X5 3.0 6sp MT
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-09-2021, 10:26 AM
haigha's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Machine
Posts: 1,436
haigha is on a distinguished road
Thanks guys!

I saw another thread for a Dodge where the procedure from his Foxwell is different. As far as I can tell it only does front right and then rear right:

https://youtu.be/RbFBih1wPEE?t=478

cn90: Great idea! Do you mean a cap like this? I'm not sure if it has a standard fitting for an air compressor.

https://www.amazon.com/ARES-Cylinder...dp/B07JPX3RCN/

Based on your advice, I'll skip the ABS bleed this time and see if there are any problems with the pedal feel. I'm not noticing a problem now but it has been too long since the last flush.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:25 AM.
vBulletin, Copyright 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0
© 2017 Xoutpost.com. All rights reserved. Xoutpost.com is a private enthusiast site not associated with BMW AG.
The BMW name, marks, M stripe logo, and Roundel logo as well as X3, X5 and X6 designations used in the pages of this Web Site are the property of BMW AG.
This web site is not sponsored or affiliated in any way with BMW AG or any of its subsidiaries.