Can I do a brake fluid flush w/o activating ABS ?

[Old-Duckman]

On a 2004 E85?

I’ve got a Motive Power Bleeder, but not sure that this will work without having to activate the anti-lock brake system, as I have read that some model years require.

 

[DMike]

Yes, it will work fine, flushed my 2005 with a similar Sealey bleeder for years. Using the abs-activating bleeding routines via ISTA would probably flush the abs pump more thoroughly, still. Planning to do it that way next time.

 

[Jakg]

You can flush the fluid just fine without messing with the ABS.

If you run out of fluid with a pressure bleeder, you'll end up forcing air into the ABS system though and then you'll need to bleed it - so ideally don't do that!

However, while you can bleed the ABS unit easily with INPA, it's more effective just to do a could of hard stops to get the ABS kicking in to get the valves all moving and the air out of it and then bleeding again.

Unfortunately this is all from experience...

 

[Old-Duckman]

Thanks much, I appreciate the replies and advice!