Informational Guide

How To Bleed ABS Module Without Scan Tool

Do you need to bleed your car’s anti-lock braking system but don’t have a scanner? In this guide, we show you how to bleed ABS module without scan tool.

Once you have worked on your vehicle's brakes, you will want to bleed the air from the system. What if you need to get the air out of the ABS module?  

While the process is different, we can show you how to bleed the ABS module without a scan tool.  

When Should You Bleed A Car’s Braking System? 

Spongy & Soft Brake Pedal 

If you press on the brake pedal and notice that it doesn’t feel right, the problem could be due to air in the system. Oftentimes, a spongy or soft brake pedal is the result of trapped air in the system. This phenomenon is most common right after you have replaced some of the parts.  

Completely Worn-Out Brake Pads 

When the brake pads wear out, the fluid level in the master cylinder begins to drop. When the fluid level gets too low, air can infiltrate the brake system. If you don’t have the right equipment on hand, you will need to figure out how to bleed an ABS pump without a scan tool. 

After Replacing Disc Brake Caliper Or Drum 

When you replace the disc brake caliper or your drum brake cylinder, you will also need to bleed the system. This type of replacement requires disconnecting the brake lines, which allows air to enter the system.  

After Replacing Brakes 

Not only should the system be bled after you replace the brakes, but also after any system component is removed. For example, removing the master cylinder can allow air to get into the system, as can any disconnected hydraulic part once it is taken off.  

Compressed Caliper Piston 

When you change the brake pads, you might need to open up the bleeder valve to compress the piston. However, while this is an essential step, it also allows air to flow into the brake lines. To remove the air, you will need to bleed the system.  

mechanic bleeding abs module

How To Bleed ABS Module Without Scan Tool (Step By Step Guide) 

While having a professional scan tool is helpful for reading diagnostic codes and bleeding the ABS module, it isn’t always necessary. You can also learn how to bleed ABS brakes without a scan tool. Follow our steps to get started. 

Gather Supplies 

Before you can learn how to bleed ABS without a scan tool, you want to ensure you have the right tools. Gather this equipment before beginning. 

  • Automotive floor jack 
  • Drip pan 
  • Brake fluid
  • Jack stands 
  • Lug wrench 

Prepare the Vehicle 

Park your car on a flat surface. If you are working at night, make sure you have good lighting. Set the parking brake to ensure your vehicle doesn’t move. 

Take off the Wheels 

Before you can bleed the ABS brakes without a scan tool, you must remove the wheels. With your floor jack, lift the car enough that the four wheels can be removed, and you can reach all of the bleeders. 

Drain the Brake Fluid 

Empty the old, contaminated brake fluid from the reservoir under the hood. Refill it with fresh brake fluid. Make sure you use compatible brake fluid for your vehicle type.  

Use the Brake Bleeder Screw 

You need to reach the bleeding port located in the caliper. With a bleeder wrench, loosen the screw. You will need to place a container under it to catch the fluid. Pump the brakes until you have drained the fluid into the container. This step might require you to enlist some help. You want to perform these steps with all four wheels. 

Have your friend push the brake pedal down and hold it all the way down. Open the screw to let all of the air out. Tighten the screw with the pedal still pushed down. This step might need to be repeated several times until all of the air is removed.

Just remember to refill the brake fluid between each round. If you let it go dry, you will allow more air into the system.  

Complete the Work 

You want to look around for any leaks before you put everything back together. You can put the wheels back on and lower the vehicle once you are sure it is done. Take the vehicle for a test drive in a safe location.  

mechanic changing disc brakes

Tips For Bleeding Your Car Brand (Without A Scan Tool) 

  • Bleeding Toyota ABS Brakes  
    Learning how to bleed Toyota ABS brakes without a scan tool requires you to follow the steps above. While Toyota will try to sell you additional equipment to complete the task, all that’s needed is a buddy and a little time to get all of the air out.  
  • Bleeding Chevrolet Silverado ABS Brakes  
    If you want to know how to bleed an ABS module without a scan tool on Silverado trucks, follow our steps, but you need to work in a particular order. Start with the brake furthest from the master cylinder and move to the other brake on the same hydraulic circuit. After these, you can move to the others.  
  • Bleeding Jeep ABS Brakes  
    Figuring out how to bleed Jeep ABS brakes without a scan tool requires you to follow the traditional steps laid out above. However, in some cases, you might need the scan tool to cycle and bleed the solenoids and HCU pump.  
  • Bleeding Ford ABS Brakes  
    It isn’t difficult to figure out how to bleed Ford ABS brakes without a scan tool. Start by opening the front bleeder screw located at the modulator. You want to bleed the front brakes first in most models.  
  • Bleeding GM ABS Brakes  
    Do you know how to bleed a GM ABS module without a scan tool? With the equipment and steps listed above, you should be able to remove the air from the lines of your GM car, truck or SUV without any professional help.  

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I drive with a bad ABS Module? 

While you can operate the vehicle with a bad ABS module, you won’t want to if there are braking issues. Additionally, while the ABS module is bad, you will want to use extra caution while traveling in low-traction situations, such as when the roads are wet.  

How much does it cost to fix the ABS Module? 

The average cost to replace an ABS module is between $300 and $1,000. However, this cost is mainly due to the labor, as the ABS module should only cost between $60 and $120.  

How long should an ABS Module last? 

Most ABS components are meant to last 100,000 miles or longer. However, the longevity of the ABS module depends largely on the conditions you travel in and your driving style.  

Can a bad ABS module cause transmission problems? 

The ABS module works in conjunction with the speed sensors that are responsible for sending information to the transmission control module. If the wheel speed sensors fail to send the correct information because of a faulty ABS module, you could notice transmission problems.  

Conclusion

Now that you know how to bleed air from an ABS module, you are ready to take charge of your drive. Ensure that your braking system is operating the way it should to keep you and others on the road protected at all times.  

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