Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Hi,

My rear brakes don't appear to be engaging very much (can tell by the look and feel of the discs - not nice and shiny as you'd expect). Also, pedal feels a tad spongy too. Plenty of thickness left in the pads.

I want to try bleeding the system - hoping its just simple case of air in the pipes. Fingers crossed its not anything more tricky... Either way, this feels like a sensible first step, right?

I've been reading around, and it appears that the clutch (also hydraulic) operates from fluid in the same resevoir as the brakes. Have any of you guys carried out the brake bleed procedure on an S2 - can you tell me if I need to bleed the clutch and brakes together when doing this? Or, given the clutch is an extremity of the whole system, can I just do the brakes on their own?

...obviously, if I don't need to get underneath the car to do the clutch, that would be ideal!

Cheers all,

James

On an S2 I suspect it could be plate lift on the callipers, bleeding would a first move, be gentle the nipples snap off if seized.
Brakes & clutch not shared in anyway, brake reservoir is on master cylinder, a small reservoir above the clutch is for that.
Clutch isn't the easiest to bleed as it is right in the middle of the car, above the starter & it is easier to unbolt the starter to get access.
If the fluid looks like gravy in either brakes or clutch then it needs changing, suck most of the old stuff out of the reservoir before starting as otherwise you'll pump it through the seals.

That's great, Jim. Thank you very much.

I've managed to release (just by testing, loosening every so slightly) all but one of the bleed nipples, just the passenger rear to go. I'm shit scared of shearing it off even by just looking at it right now... treating it to a regular bath of penetrating oil prior to the weekend, when I plan to do this. And, got replacement nipple ready to replace that dodgy one which already is a bit worse for wear now I've been yanking on it. Will copper slip em all up when on re-entry afterwards too.

I'll let you all know how I get on.

Thanks again.

James

Do you know about the Gunson Eezibleed system, do you have a compressed air line, or are you doing it the hard, manual way?

American 944s have a shared brake and clutch master reservoir.
If you are reading Clarks garage then this may be where the confusion comes in.
To bleed the clutch you will need to get right under the car and remove the starter motor to reach the slve cylinder.
Its actually not that hard, especially if you have access to a lift or even ramps for the front end.
Easibleed works well for this running off a tyre at around 15psi.
Some people prefer the one way valve systems where you still pump the pedal but as the valve stops any fluid return you just keep pumping until the pedal firms up. No risk of stray fluid under pressure.

Yeah, I had taken a quick look at Clarks Garage, amongst other sources...haynes too. I'm definitely far from a pro in these areas, just a keen, lateral thinking guy, with some spanners As such, when I start these jobs, I tend to look at everything I can get my hands on, to ensure I have everything I need. Think it was Clarks Garage where I read about the clutch/brake association...and got myself all confused. Great to hear the facts about S2 from you guys, as always, I feel much happier going ahead with this now!

I have heard about those Ezibleed type systems, but as yet, I don't have one myself. Was planning to do it the 'hard way'...however, I may pop up to my local auto tools bloke, see if I can get one. So, would you guys recommend these systems over the old fashioned 'stompy pedal' method?

Cheers

I bled my brakes for the first time a few months ago on my other vehicle (a cheapo Vauxhall van) and it made the process so easy. Just attach the gizmo to the spare tyre and reservoir, and go to each corner in sequence with a spanner, rubber hose and a bottle.

It makes it a one man job

Cool! So you don't need to do any pedal pumping at all then, anywhere during the process?

Brake bleeding has been put on hold temporarily, two of the bleed nipples are ceased solid - not sure if I have the nerves or capabilities to free them up myself, so might whip the calipers in question off and take them to someone with a little more willingness than myself!

Eazibleed though - sounds a worth while tool to own - may try to get my hands on one!

Here's a link:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gunson-G4062-Eezibleed-Kit/dp/B001KTFIWA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320614810&sr=8-1

Wow - bargain! Free delivery too. Thought it would be more than that... will give it a go then.

Cheers

You will need some fresh brake fluid to do the job as well, and a tyre pressure gauge.