Dropped off car at indy garage today for brake fluid change but later found out that they didn't use the pressure bleeder method. Instead it was the old two -man method.

I'm a bit worried now as I read somewhere here that pressure bleeding was pretty much the safest method to use on these cars. The car drives ok and no difference from when I dropped it off, however I'm concerned they haven't done any lasting damage to the braking system.

Is there a way to test if any damage has been done, and if any does it creep up with time.

Sorry if I sound a bit paranoid, but I plan on driving over 400miles with my young family this week end.

cheers

the two man method is only dangerous if they run it out of fluid and yo'd know right away.

its fine.

Thanks bengie. Just worried especially when you hear horror stories about failed brakes while driving.

Should I keep an eye for leaks or drop in fluid level? Although the problem I have is I won't be driving the car now until when i set out for our 400mile journey

Test the pedal doesn't sink to the floor under sustained pressure. It is possible (but not that likely really if a bit of care is used) to damage the master cylinder seals.

I'm surprised they don't have a pressure bleeder.

Don't be concerned, all cars were bled by hand at one time, long, long ago.

I even use this olde worlde method myself, and yes it works fine as long as it is done properly.

As long has to have no leaks and no spongeyness in the brakes you are fine.

HTH

Thanks for all the re-assurance.

Just to ask a sub-question to this issue. Does the ECU need any kind of reset when changing the brake fluid? A Golf owner informed me all VAG cars need this doing but I think he's yanking my chain....

I'd look down if I were you as you've just been yanked!

Test the pedal doesn't sink to the floor under sustained pressure. It is possible (but not that likely really if a bit of care is used) to damage the master cylinder seals.

The pedal does sink all the way to the floor under sustained pressure. Something to do with the servo system that's used apparently. I know that mine did anyway before and after having fluid changed. And still does it with the 312's fitted.

It shouldn't go right the way to the bottom, at least mine never has.. just very close.

The important thing is that it doesn't go right the way to the bottom with the engine off.

Hmm, don't know then. It certainly feels like the bottom. Think you're right about it not travelling the same distance when the ignition is off though.

Hmm, don't know then. It certainly feels like the bottom. Think you're right about it not travelling the same distance when the ignition is off though.

It's best to operate the brakes a few times until the servo is exhausted, then test it.

Just to ask a sub-question to this issue. Does the ECU need any kind of reset when changing the brake fluid? A Golf owner informed me all VAG cars need this doing but I think he's yanking my chain....

There are two brake related things I know of- one is to bleed the ABS pump if for any reason air gets in there, and the other is to reset the electronic handbrake on some models. No need for any diag computer on a normal fluid change AFAIK.

Does it matter if a pressure bleeder or vacuum bleeder is used when doing brakes/clutch. i.e no damage can happen using either of these two can it ??

Vacuum bleeded might seem like a good idea - ie less chance of pressurised paint attacking brake fluid, but for me that is where it ends, as soon as you open up a bleed valve to draw off some fluid, there must be some air leaking in at the bleed valve thread - so the vacuum applied would need to make up for this loss as well as provide enough "suck" to draw off fluid - for the DIYer that would be a nuisance if you were using a hand pump like a Mityvac. Sensible use of a pressure bleeder system avoids that problem.