Brakes

[unclejim]

I have a 2003 B1500 Ram Van with ABS Brakes. I'm planning to replace the front brake pads and caliper hoses. I understand if I get any air in the ABS unit, it can only be bled with the drbiii. I don't have access to a drbiii. I would like to know if I keep the master cylinder full, can I successfully replace the hoses without getting air in the abs unit?

Any advice or tips would be appreciated.

[stev]

You could try to rent the DRB3 from AutoZone, and then return it for a full refund when done.

Replacing the hose will have air pockets trapped in the line until purged. The link to the ABS is very questionable to successfully keep the air out.

[alloro]

If you're just opening the hoses I don't think you need the DRB to bleed. You only need it if the air is on the primary side of the ABS unit.

[Dodgevanman]

As long as the master cyl. doesn't completely drain, you should be okay. Some ABS units have bleed screws on them.

[unclejim]

Thanks for all the tips. I'll post back when I find the time to complete the job. If you think of anything else, let me know.

[van-nut]

Is the van rear ABS only or 4 wheel ABS?

I'm not sure how close the '03's are to my '98, but according to my manual for the '98, REAR wheel ABS does NOT require any special bleed procedure, but 4 wheel ABS does.

Pete

[unclejim]

Yep, it's 4 wheel abs. I wish it didn't have abs at all. The idea of a computer overriding how I decide to stop makes me a bit nervous. Anyway, there are many views on this abs stuff.

I thought about bypassing the hydraulics (would solve potential bleeding problems), but would be worried about a possible "check engine light". The abs reports to the ecm, hence my concern. Although, I do not know with any certainty if this would occur, I wouldn't want to take the chance. I live in an emissions testing area and a MIL light is an immediate cause for failure. This applies even if the MIL code is NOT emissions related and the tailpipe gases are clean. However, an ABS light is OK.