Rear brake calliper replacement issue

[CupraChris1981]

I have just replaced the offside read calliper using a technique I modified so I could do solo (in pic apologies for the state of it, been left standing for a long time) but the brake is still not working, I think I got all the air out as it stopped bubbling could it be the washers as I did not replace them? I didn't see any leakage so don't see how that could be the reason.

I did top up the brake fluid a fair bit don't think overfilled, not sure if that could be a cause, also when I turn the ignition I get a beeping and red brake flashing light which I have never had when changing pads before.
any help appreciated.

 

[CupraChris1981]

So if anyone else has this issue just top up the brake fluid I thought I had over filled but apparently not...

 

[iammooks]

I was going to say that the only time I've had a warning beep and lights is when the reservoir was low - but it looks like you've found that one out for yourself.

How are the breaks now? Mine have never quite been the same after changing a caliper and bleeding them.


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[CupraChris1981]

I was going to say that the only time I've had a warning beep and lights is when the reservoir was low - but it looks like you've found that one out for yourself.

How are the breaks now? Mine have never quite been the same after changing a caliper and bleeding them.


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They felt different for sure not as strong and still a bit soft, I will have to drive very carefully for a while...

 

[iammooks]

They felt different for sure not as strong and still a bit soft, I will have to drive very carefully for a while...

It's weird - my brakes were fine before, but I hadn't had them bled in years and wanted fresh fluid. When I bled them, at first they didn't work at all, and then bleeding the master cylinder I got some feel back. Did that a few times, but they've never been firm again - and had a couple of garages do it too, given I was concerned about their safety. No MoT issues either.

Pedal is still soft, but it's been a good few years now since I did it, and it hasn't got worse, so... One day I'll go round and clamp the soft lines to see if I can track down any air still in the system, but that's a big job and not one I've felt like doing for a long while.

Just noticed my post said 'breaks'. How embarrassing.


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[mty12345]

It's weird - my brakes were fine before, but I hadn't had them bled in years and wanted fresh fluid. When I bled them, at first they didn't work at all, and then bleeding the master cylinder I got some feel back. Did that a few times, but they've never been firm again - and had a couple of garages do it too, given I was concerned about their safety. No MoT issues either.

Pedal is still soft, but it's been a good few years now since I did it, and it hasn't got worse, so... One day I'll go round and clamp the soft lines to see if I can track down any air still in the system, but that's a big job and not one I've felt like doing for a long while.

Just noticed my post said 'breaks'. How embarrassing.


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ABS pump can be bled with VCDS, could be air in that.

 

[bruceR]

Pressure bleeding or vacuum bleeding is best for these cars.
Hope you get it sorted as nothing worse than soft pedal when you have to use those the brakes in anger.


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[CupraChris1981]

Pressure bleeding or vacuum bleeding is best for these cars.
Hope you get it sorted as nothing worse than soft pedal when you have to use those the brakes in anger.


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I bought the Gunson eazibleed pressure bleeder kit, used up a whole bottle of brake fluid just doing first rear near side, just ordered more, hopefully once all done it will fix it, I am not optimistic but hopefully pleasantly surprised....

 

[iammooks]

ABS pump can be bled with VCDS, could be air in that.

Can it be done with VCDS Lite though? I'm fine doing it, but if it needs proper VCDS I'm pretty much screwed as there's no-one around here I think who'd be able to do it.


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[Alexis27]

You shouldn't need VCDS for the rears at all.

 

[iammooks]

I've been looking at the Ross Tech forums and for some vehicles they're saying the brakes should be bled with the engine running. Has anyone done this on the mk1?


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[smutts]

One thing to bear in mind if bleeding brakes via the pedal.
The bottom of the pedal travel is where the brake pistons don't venture..
If there is corrosion there, and you pump the pedal to the floor when bleeding, the master cylinder rubbers can get wrecked.
Only happened to me once with a Renault Fuego, but was a nuisance.

 

[smutts]

Can it be done with VCDS Lite though? I'm fine doing it, but if it needs proper VCDS I'm pretty much screwed as there's no-one around here I think who'd be able to do it.


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Where are you to? Full Hex Can VCDS here in South Devon.