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Brake bleed question

Help, Advice, Owners' Discussion and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's stylish, distinctive P2 platform cars sold as model years 2001-2007 (North American market year designations).

2001 - 2007 V70
2001 - 2004 V70 XC (Cross Country)
2004 - 2007 XC70 (Cross Country)
2001 - 2009 S60
2003 - 2007 S60 R
2004 - 2007 V70 R

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AlanS
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Brake bleed question

Post by AlanS »

Just completed a full front brake change: Pads, rotors, flex hoses....I 'thought' I bled the system well, but the pedal is low. Do you have to bleed while the engine is running? That's the only thing I didn't do. My system: Hose on bleeder...assistant pushes pedal down, I open bleeder, fluid comes out...close bleeder....pump brake ....rinse and repeat about 5 times. No air bubbles noted in clear exit hose.

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erikv11
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Post by erikv11 »

No the engine doesn't need to be running. Your system is fine except 5 times is not nearly enough - pump like 8 ounces through the passenger side first, then a few ounces so through the driver's. E.g. use a small bottle on the fronts.

Or do the rears too, start back on passenger rear before the fronts, use a quart bottle! Flush out all the old fluid every few years, saves your brake calipers. Use fresh dot 4 fluid. Don't let the reservoir level drop down too low to suck in air up above.

Hopefully just some air in the lines still that a more thorough flush will fix. Definitely should have seen bubbles if you changed the hoses.
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volvolugnut
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Post by volvolugnut »

Get a hand vacuum pump with clear catch bottle to make flushing and bleeding easier. Use your assistant to watch and refill the reservoir. The vacuum pump is also handy to check for vacuum leaks and sucking out small amount of fluids. The catch bottle also has graduations marked. About $30 to 50.
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firstv70volvo
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Post by firstv70volvo »

AlanS wrote: 27 Sep 2021, 11:24 Just completed a full front brake change: Pads, rotors, flex hoses....I 'thought' I bled the system well, but the pedal is low. Do you have to bleed while the engine is running? That's the only thing I didn't do. My system: Hose on bleeder...assistant pushes pedal down, I open bleeder, fluid comes out...close bleeder....pump brake ....rinse and repeat about 5 times. No air bubbles noted in clear exit hose.
Also check that the front caliper springs were installed correctly.

Refer to this fine video by Oragex

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darylrobert
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Post by darylrobert »

i did my clutch recently, same procedure as brakes but just couldnt get it. pedal was soft after multiple attempts. ended up getting a brake bleeder vacuum thats fitted to a air compressor and got it done. I basically keep sucking fluid while closing the bleed nipple.

The hose might be your problem, is air backfeeding before you close the nipple?

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