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May 28, 2011 4:30 p.m. CGLockRacer Reader
So I just got done with a full brake job on my girlfriend's '07 3s. Rotors and bendix pads. Flushed the brake fluid. For each caliper, I opened the bleeder on when I retracted the piston so I wouldn't push junk into the ABS pump. Then I did a normal bleed (gf pumped the pedal and held, then I opened and closed the bleeder). After it was done i have 2 issues.
1. left front squeals, very loudly. If it was my car, so what. But my gf wants a quiet car. Lubed everything and put the anti-squeal/rattle springs back in place.
2. Hard stops do not trigger ABS. I did a couple of panic stops to make sure ABS engaged. It didn't. No lockup or ABS. It didn't feel like it was stopping hard. No warning lights.
Ideas?

Thanks!
May 28, 2011 10:07 p.m. Tom Suddard SonDork

No clue on the squeals but if it doesn't lockup, then there is no reason for ABS to engage. ABS doesn't engage for hard stops, it engages for lockup.

Either your brakes weren't strong enough (AKA you have too much tire or not enough brake), you didn't push them hard enough, or ABS was working and you didn't feel it.
May 29, 2011 8:28 a.m. JtspellS Reader

Did you break in the pads?

You don't have to open the bleeders to compress the calipers

Does the T/C still operate normally? (tied in with ABS system)
May 29, 2011 8:33 a.m. Toyman01 SuperDork

New pads and rotors need to be bedded in before they work properly. A few good hard stops from highway speeds should do it.
May 29, 2011 9:06 a.m. CGLockRacer Reader

Yes, brakes were bedded. thats when I was discovering that the ABS was not triggering. I did a few hard stops, let them cool, then did two full pedal stops. I've had a 3 before so I know you can hear the ABS.

I know you don' thave to open the bleeders, however, I don't want old fluid going backwards through the ABS pump, potentially carrying debris with it (fluid looked clear however). I'm going to re-bleed this afternoon.
May 29, 2011 9:36 a.m. WilberM3 HalfDork

take it to a dirt lot and stand on the brakes, that ought to tell you if the ABS isn't engaging.
May 29, 2011 10:03 a.m. Zeitgeist New Reader

Sounds like it could be a stuck piston in the caliper but the ABS not engaging at all seems weird. It still should engage for the other wheels even if the piston is stuck in one position. That would cause a squealing and no ABS on that corner but ABS should still work if not earlier with screwed up side to side balance on that axle. I would try WilberM3's idea and then check for a seized piston or caliper not sliding properly and re-bleed while the car is up.
May 29, 2011 10:19 a.m. CGLockRacer Reader

All calipers were in very good condition. Nothing stuck, all sliders were corrosion free and re-lubed. I will try a dirty lot too. Thanks for all the ideas. Keep 'em coming!
May 29, 2011 4:01 p.m. iceracer Dork

I too open the bleeder. The ABS won't activate unless a wheel starts to slide. Do like wilber said. Or apply the brakes while making a sharp turn.
May 30, 2011 10:33 a.m. CGLockRacer Reader

OK, I borrowed my friend's pressure bleeder. That did the trick. Got a bit of air out of the right side calipers. ABS works as expected in dry and on gravel. Pedal is much harder now too.

Thanks everyone!