Brake Bleeding Problem

[Ashaman074]

Hi,

I am really hoping someone can chime in with helpful information as I am about to go crazy out in my garage...

Over the weekend I replaced the pads on my X5 (2005 4.4). After that, all was going well, but I also wanted to change the fluid, so I opened the pass rear bleeder to drain while I was doing other projects. Well, of course I FORGOT and left it open allowing the reservoir to empty.

OK...so I figured I was in for a hassle now in terms of bleeding but I had no idea the frustration I had just unleashed upon myself. I have now been at this for hours trying to get brakes again.

Starting at the passenger's rear, I have worked my way around in sequence (pass rear, driver rear, pass front, driver front) a total of three times now.

As a first step, I opened the pass rear bleeder and let it drain forever, then followed with the others as listed. After all of this, I have nearly no pedal at all. At times I will get a mushy pedal, but after starting the car it will go to nearly nothing.

Aha! I thought...I must have air trapped in the ABS unit, I will cycle the unit using DIS and opening the bleeders! ...and still nothing.

I really don't know what could be going on at this point, I have run an entire 12 oz bottle of fluid through this blasted thing, and there has been no signs of air at the bleeders and no improvement in the pedal.

As it sits now, the thing is undrivable; it barely has enough braking force to keep itself from rolling away at idle!

FWIW I have done this job (and line replacement, master cylinders, etc, etc) I don't know how many times in the past (other vehicles) and I have never had an issue like this! Anyone have any further suggestions as to what could be going on? It is driving me nuts here - thanks!