My brake fluid in the reservoir looks pretty dirty (no joke ... brown like maple syrup). And I recently replaced the rear brakes ... so I wanted to ensure the lines were clean and free from air. But something is not right.

Following the Haynes Manual (which is correct at least half the time), section 9-13 for those who want to follow along ..

1-I used a small hand pump and tube to siphon out as much of the old brake fluid from the reservoir as possible. Then filled with the good stuff.

2-Bleeding in the recommended order I started with the right rear.

3-I applied the brake 30 times with the engine off to discharge pressure from the power brake booster.

4-Putting one end of the tubing over the bleeder screw, the other in a bottle filled halfway with clean fluid. My helper pumped the brakes a few times and held firmly to the floor. When I open the bleeder screw ... barely any fluid comes out (backing out the bleeder screw even more didn't produce any different results)... I mean just dribbles a few drops. Which like I said is as brown as maple syrup.

5-I repeat and repeat the procedure and sometimes nothing even comes out.


I've bled brakes many times before on airplanes, but essentially there is no difference in the principles of their operation.

What's going on here? It doesn't use any noticeable amount of brake fluid and braking action seems normal.

Advice on this matter is greatly appreciated!

 

I "think" your '89 has the older Teves ABS system where an electric pump actually provides brake fluid flow and pressure to the rear brakes. If so, turn the key on and try again.

The fronts are bled in the conventional manner.

Don't take mine as the final word as I'm not really familiar with XJ40s. Let's wait to see if anyone chimes in.

Cheers
DD

 

The Haynes manual says that's on the 90-92 model... But we all know how reliable that is. Anyway I can tell if it has the pump?