Hey, all. I have an 05 X type sport with DSC. I was told by my mechanic that after installing master cylinder, he is unable to bleed brakes due to a bad abs module. I have looked all over for a replacement; however, I can't seem to find one with a matching part number.. (5x43-2c405-cb). Is there another that will fit? A new one is a laughable $4500, completely absurd. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I went to the exact same problem and even with a different ABS unit I still couldn bleed the brakes.what happened in my case was the lines were clogged so I ended up having to clean the lines by using a compressor. And a vacuum to clean the lines.. it's a long process but it save me a lot of money and my brakes are working great.
You wanna give me your email so that I can tell you all the steps?

 

If I could figure out how to private message you that would be great

 

Will a bad abs module really keep brakes from being able to be bled? after new master cylinder install, garage says brakes are binding/holding , and abs pump is keeping the brakes from being bled. This all started when my brake pedal went to the floor. No sticking brakes at this time. Had it towed to garage, and they replaced brake MC. I'm assuming they must have bled something after installing MC, in order for them to test drive it. Either way, when they drove it, the, I assume, front brakes, were sticking, enough to cause them to be smoking. They then brought it in to bleed it, and were unable to. So this has led them to assume the abs module is at fault. This sound normal? Or should I have it brought somewhere else?

 

To private message a member, simply left click on their name and select "send a private message to...."
When they respond you will get a "pop up" from the forum site inviting you to read the message.
Failing that you can go to your private messages using the link in the upper right corner of the page just below your name.

As for brake issues.....
Soft "squishy" brakes can be the flexible brake lines starting to lose integrity. (not your stated issue but just mentioning)
Hard breaks (not backing off) can be calipers, new pads, or in some recent threads some members have spoken about adjusting the linkage between master cylinder and brake servo.
Perhaps do a bit of a search on brake related threads and posts within the past 12 months to see if you can glean any helpful info from those.
I can't imagine the ABS unit keeping the brakes in contact, more likely the master cylinder is not relaxing properly and the front brakes are responding more critically as they have more bias sent to them.

Did the workshop also fit new pads while there, or just replace the master cylinder?
Sometimes new aftermarket pads can be a bit thicker than originals and rub. I had to dress some new front pads to get sufficient clearance.