Do you have to turn on the car when bleed the brake?

[toni8284]

Sorry for the dumb questions..

1) Do I have to turn on the car when bleed the brake?

The reason why I am asking is when the car is off, if you pump the brake pedal couple times, the pedal become firmer and firmer and it stopped moving.

If I step on the brake, and open the valve, will the brake fluid came out and the pedal will sink?

It's my first time bleeding so I just want to ask for sure.

2) If I am doing a 2 man job for the bleeding (1 on the brake, 1 on the valve). I have to close the brake reservoir cap before bleeding right?

otherwise, the pressure wont build up, correct?

Thank you so much.

[gazz]

If you don't know the answers to these questions you probably shouldn't be doing a brake bleed. I know everyone has to start somewhere but you are running the risk of an improper bleed job = improper brake performance = possible disaster. The brakes on the 1M should probably be pressure bled anyway.

[Pig Farmer]

To answer the OP's question... If building pressure with the pedal then yes. I find that I get the best results by using a pressure bleeder at first, followed by the two person method with the engine running. During the two person method, you leave the cap off the reservoir until all the lines are done. Obviously you can not let the reservoir run dry.

[robertm]

Do yourself a favor and buy a pressure bleeder. You will have it for 10+ years and it makes life so much easier. You can bleed brakes yourself, don't need a second person and drastically decreases the possibility of getting air in the system. Buy one then read online the proper technique when using. They are very straight forward and proper technique makes good sense.

[MDORPHN]

FWIW, I've used the two-man method on every car I've owned, the 1M included.

Works fine.

Neil

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by robertm

Do yourself a favor and buy a pressure bleeder. You will have it for 10+ years and it makes life so much easier. You can bleed brakes yourself, don't need a second person and drastically decreases the possibility of getting air in the system. Buy one then read online the proper technique when using. They are very straight forward and proper technique makes good sense.

^^+1.


I have a ten year old Motive pressure bleeder and love it! To answer your question... I do not "think" you need to run the engine. I know some ABS systems you need to have the ignition key on while bleeding... so the ABS pump can circulate brake fluid thru the ABS block and traction control. I do not think you need to do this with BMW's. You do that mainly with VW's and Audi products. With VAG cars they also pulse or cycle the ABS valve body(block) when you reverse and use the brake pedal.


I would go ask a tech at your dealer... most will be happy to tell you. Or try PMing user" Drivehard - he works for a dealer and would be able to tell you too.

[Jet Mech]

Originally Posted by MDORPHN

FWIW, I've used the two-man method on every car I've owned, the 1M included.

Works fine.

Neil

Same here...including other brands of cars ive owned. Its a tradition that me and my son do it together. I found that communication is the key to a great brake bleed/flush and its great father and son time.