Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

[bhoges]

I just installed stainless steel lines, new rotors and pads on my Challenger. No matter what I do I cant get the pedal firm. I bleed the system several times starting from furthest to closets wheel. I even raised the rear end like the manual says to help remove the air. I think the ABS system has air which can only be fixed with a starscan tool? Is there any other way of getting the air out of the ABS? I tried a battery disconnect with no luck. PIssed been dead a week might have to take it to the dealer tomorrow.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

If you for sure have ALL of the air bled out of the system and you have bleed the calipers....
Right rear
Left rear
Right front
Left front
in that order
Than you need to do what I call the hillbilly ABS bleed procedure. It is a Little Dukes of hazard but works as well as when I use my scan tools.
You need a slick surface to brake on. Make sure it is safe and you don't have anything you could crash into on the right or left. It does not take much speed. 25MPH is plenty. Just jamb on the brakes real hard to get ABS activation until you come to a stop. Release pedal and set for a few seconds before you press the pedal again then pump the pedal a few times and see it you have your pedal pressure back. If it has to much air then it is possible to "set" the differential safety in an abs unit or proportional valve in early model vehicles and then you will need a tech to fix it.

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

You may indeed have air in the ABS, but first, have you eliminated other possible sources? I've often found it necessary to give the calipers a light whack with a plastic mallet in order to dislodge air bubbles. You may also want to try an alternative bleeding method; I've found that the Motive pressure bleeder does a great job of removing air due to its ability to provide a continuous stream of fresh fluid for several minutes.

 

[vwhugger]

Re: Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

A few years ago a buddy of mine put new calipers on an older seventies Dodge van and couldn't get a pedal. It turned out he had had the calipers reversed L to R and vice versa. The bleeder ended up on the bottom and it didn't ring in bell with him.

 

[bhoges]

Re: Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

All the calipers are orginal and I replaced all the fluid to higher temp. I bleed the system 4 times and Im not getting any air out. I can drive it but the pedal is very soft. Ill try giving them a wack as well thanks. Sucks since the weather is awesome this weekend. Only 9k on the car and the stock brake system was shot. The rotors were warped and pads are noisy as hell.

 

[macthknife]

Re: Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

Just so You know, DOT 4 silicone brake fluid does not play well with most abs systems. It is too thick to bleed the air bubbles from the solenoids.

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

DOT 4 is not silicone-based, and works just fine with ABS. I think you are getting it confused with DOT 5, which indeed does not play well with ABS due to its tendency to foam.

Brian,

I'm surprised that you wore out the stock brake components that quickly. Do you open-track the car or operate it in an extremely aggressive manner? Hopefully your new components last a bit longer! My 300C SRT8 has been very good with regards to brake wear, even with some relatively severe use.

 

[bhoges]

Re: Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

Yes its Dot 4. Seems alot of guys on the forums are having the brakes warp fairly quickly. I did a complete Eibach suspension so I drive the car pretty hard though turns which is why I upgraded my brakes.

 

[bhoges]

Re: Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

Here she is.

 

[macthknife]

Re: Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eric Bryant</div><div class="ubbcode-body">DOT 4 is not silicone-based, and works just fine with ABS. I think you are getting it confused with DOT 5, which indeed does not play well with ABS due to its tendency to foam.

</div></div>

You are correct on both counts. Thanks for the catch. I'm gettin old.

 

[bhoges]

Re: Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

I dropped it off at a speed shop today and they had no luck either. The local dealers wont touch it due to the market market parts. Sounds like a need a star scan tool.

 

[macthknife]

Re: Any Dodge mechanics out there? Challenger brakes

As a last resort, You can crack open the fittings, one at a time, on each of the lines coming out of the antilock assy. It will take 2 people. Open fitting, take pedal down, close fitting. Repeat. It has worked for Me on My 97 DOHC Cobra Mustang, but it had hydroboost brakes. Vehicle ignition must be off for this operation.