Hi everyone. I had to replace my brake pads this weekend and rather than go into the details of the issue, I think I have introduced air into the system. Is there a way to bleed via the abs pump without VCDS or similar or do I have to go old school and get a spanner out?

TIA

Hi,

I have changed my brake fluid several times without VCDS. I didn't introduce air the system though.

I only invested in the following system (or any similar) from Amazon:

I have written a 'how to' guide in the Superb Mk3 forum, if needed.

IMHO, even if you have introduced air in the system, such a system should help getting rid of any air remaining, since it enables pressurizing the system and thus pushing bubbles to the drain plug at each brake caliper.

The ABS unit needs an ABS Bleed to get air out of it, if you pushed aur into the system. A pressure bleeder alone won't do it, neither will loosening the connectors on the ABS unit to bleed there too.

I know that because I've tried.

It was only a OBD initiated ABS Bleed procedure that did work on both my Roomster & Yeti.

I don't know if with other models of ABS units it may not be required, I'm simply reporting what I found.

It is not a difficult thing to do with VCDS. My Roomster needed all 4 wheels bleed nipples accessable, the Yeti only the front wheels.

Thanks for the replies. I have VCDS but not the new cable, tried carista, no option. Same for Ancel and XTool..so went old school with my trusty brake spanner and one way pipe.

I ended up having to take the r/r wheel off to make it easier to get to the nipple. But a few mins later I have no more spongy pedal.

Had a play with Carista while looking for options and have changed the haldex bias to have rear engaged at 20% or whatever it was. Feels like a new car!

You obviously never had air in the ABS unit then.

I did once by running the master reservoir dry and only noticed when air splattered out the bleed nipple.

I found with air in the ABS you can do a normal bleed and get a hard pedal, but immediately on engine start the pedal sinks right down.

An ABS bleed was the only cure for that.

You must of just had air in the far end. A pressure bleeder would of helped there too. I always use a pressure bleeder now, like in that photo earlier, they do make the task simple.

Sorry to contact you from here AGriffiths73 i had been trying to reach you as i have the same problem that you had wih the feroza, how did you solve it at the end? there was any distribr cap compatible?

23 hours ago, krl8 said:

Sorry to contact you from here AGriffiths73 i had been trying to reach you as i have the same problem that you had wih the feroza, how did you solve it at the end? there was any distribr cap compatible?

If you want to notify someone, just write @login you want to want. 😉

Edited 2 October, 20252 Oct by Bap33

On 01/10/2025 at 23:43, krl8 said:

Sorry to contact you from here AGriffiths73 i had been trying to reach you as i have the same problem that you had wih the feroza, how did you solve it at the end? there was any distribr cap compatible?

Hi, I had to find someone in the Netherlands who had the correct replacement part.