Caliper Replacement - Bleeding Air From ABS Control

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Tomaz

In order to "cycle" the brake system would need a loop. Each brake line dead ends at the caliper. If there is a software reset, the entire operation should take a few minutes. It appears that the Diagnostic computer is programmed to rip you off.

While the brake lines dead end at the calipers (where the bleed screws are) there are also dead ends in the ABS controller where the valves and solenoids are. That is where the air is trapped. The "cycle" referred to is the opening and closing of the valves and activation of the solenoids; there is no loop as such in the plumbing.

The computer doesn't do a reset, which would be very quick, but rather needs to operate the valves in the specific sequence to purge the air.

I may be wrong, but I don't think this specifically requires the BMW computer, simply a scan tool with a two-way communication and the correct program to cycle the ABS controller. It is likely simplest to just pay the dealer to do the work. I don't agree that this is a programmed rip-off, simply a consequence of having a computerized brake system with air in it.

Jeff