For routine maintenance like fluid changes before track days, a full Abs Computer Scan Tool might be overkill. Standard manual bleeding is often sufficient. This process effectively replaces most of the old brake fluid, ensuring fresh fluid in the system without necessarily needing to cycle the ABS module, especially if the ABS hasn’t been activated extensively. In such cases, following the recommended bleed sequence—Rear Right, Left Front, Rear Left, Right Front—is crucial due to the cross-split brake system design commonly used, which differs from older front/rear split systems.
However, an ABS scan tool becomes essential when air enters the ABS module itself. This sophisticated tool is specifically designed to purge air from the ABS module, a task that manual bleeding cannot reliably accomplish. Regardless of the reason—whether it’s a necessity due to air in the system or a proactive measure—using the auto bleed function on a brake system that hasn’t been completely drained should suffice. Each time this automated sequence is performed, it pushes a significant amount of fluid through the system, effectively clearing the ABS module, lines, and calipers in one go.
Typically, using a scan tool involves a step-by-step procedure displayed on the scanner’s screen. This often includes prompts like “Open bleed screw X and pump the brake pedal” for a specified duration, guiding you through each wheel corner. For vehicles with front calipers equipped with inner and outer bleed screws, it’s advisable to perform the ABS tool procedure using the inner bleed screw first. Following this, a couple of manual bleed cycles on the outer screw will ensure that the caliper is completely filled with fresh fluid. This supplementary manual bleed can be done between automated cycles if the scan tool allows, or after completing the entire automated bleeding sequence.
