Can I bleed ABS with GS911?

[Geoff Crowther]

Hi all
I'm working towards DIY servicing of my 08 Adventure; now out of warranty.
I'm considering buying a GS911.
Just reading my new Haynes manual I note they say you can't do any bleeding of the braking system on an ABS bike (like mine) without BM's diagnostic tool.
So, can you do this with a GS911?
Cheers
Geoff

 

[araspitfire]

Doesnt'sound right to me...

I know that you can bleed the ELECTRIC brake module on a 2005 1200 without using the diagnostic tool.

there is a brake module check that wants to be done periodicaly that involves BMW diagnostics, and even though I have a GS911 tool, I don't think I can do this myself. (still trying to get my software updated on my older GS911)

But to do a bleed, it's just a 4 circuit bleed.. (with special funnels for the module)

Al...

 

[Geoff Crowther]

Ok, cheers Al.
Any other thoughts out there?
Geoff

 

[Beemerman59]

I have an 08'GSA, ABS and a GS911. I did'nt use the GS911 in any part of the brake bleeding process - its a walk in the park to bleed them.

There's no servo's to worry about on your bike.

 

[Geoff Crowther]

Hi Beemerman
Obviously you've done this, so I appreciate your input.
Clearly though, there's no instructions on how to do it in my Haynes manual.
Might need some guidance when it comes to that (not for another 2 years or so according to service schedule for changing fluid).
Thanks for your advice.
Geoff

 

[Pukmeister]

Haynes tell you to consult your dealer because they don't want to be held responsible for anyone having an accident as a result of tampering with their ABS system. I believe that the BMW dealers diagnostic checks that they perform on their GT1 computer measures brake pressure etc which the GS911 doesn't, so it can probably test to be sure the system holds pressure and the master cylinder/slave cylinder/ABS modulator unit internal seals are all intact etc.

If all you want to do is bleed the brake fluid to replace it, I can't see what the problem is. It's no different to bleeding a car with ABS.

The GS911 will only reset fault codes stored in the ABS modules memory, it doesn't have any 'maintenance' functions as of the latest firmware release.

 

[alex_rsa]

Having bled the ABS model twice (once 2 years ago and again recently when i replaced the clutch) it is much easier than a car. You do not need the funnels or any special tools although having someway of puring small amounts of brake fluid into the ABS unit would be handy (something like a syringe). I did have a cheep Gunson easi-bleed container which meant I did not have to open and close the bleed nipple but you can work round that as well.

There a few write-ups about it on various websites. If you have not done a brake-bleed before I would get some help as you are dealing with quite an important component but if you have bled brakes before you should be fine.

Haynes have probably gone Health and Safety mad, I bet in a few years they will not be able to produce a manual as everything will be "refer to dealers".

 

[Beemerman59]

According to the BMW service manual covering '08 year 1200's there is no method or requirement to bleed the ABS modulator. The only inlet/outlets on the modulator are the brake lines themselves. The bleed points are the nipple up by the brake fluid reservoir on the bars and the usual ones on each brake caliper. I found it easiest to simply attach a bleed tube on the nipple and use the brake lever action to force fluid out, nipping up the bleed nipple after each go. Top up the reservoirs as necessary with Dot 4. Took no more than 15 minutes front and rear brakes once I worked out how to get the reservoir cap off