Ok. Rebuilt the front calipers, replaced pads front and rear, performed ABS bleed procedure and it appears I ran about 4 liters of Castrol LMA through the system. On her first test drive, she stops, but doesn't have a lot of pedal. This is a bit scary for such a heavy monster...

In addition, the "ABS" and brake lights come on for 1/2 second when putting firm pressure on the pedal. They don't come on when easing the pedal slowly. PLEASE HELP!

Thanx in advance!

 

Perhaps a weak accumulator?

 

Thanx, Ken. I'm sure the accumulator will need replacement soon, but the brake pedal was BIG before I performed the work. This car had been sitting for 6 years so I re-did the fronts (slightly leaky left side) and exercised the rears as one piston was a bit sticky. Wondering if there's some sort of technique to engage-in after this type of job to get a bigger pedal on the ABS...

 

Nothing Jaguar specific. Perhaps you have a stubborn air bubble.

 

I'm assuming this simply means more caliper bleeding fun ;-0!

 

It may be worth going to a shop that can power bleed them. Otherwise, it's just a pain.

 

I recall that bleeding the brakes on my old XJS was a bit tricky. You must get the sequence right, far wheels at the rear first, etc. I finally got it sorted out using a positive air presure device at the master resevoir, as I was doing it by myself. I found that the brake system on that car is prone to air pockets and the one way valve technique at the bleed nipple was not cutting it..
Hope this helps as it's been about 15 yrs back that I was doing this job.

 

I used my Motive Pressure Bleeder at about 10psi. Works great on any other car...

The sequence in the manual is the same as most, RR-LR-RF-LF... I even used the technique for XJS w/ABS exactly as described in the Service Manual, in addition to the 10psi...

 

Not sure if you have solved this problem, but bleeding any ABS system can be difficult if your end up with air. the accumulator on an ABS with air in it can only be fixed by using an automated bleeding machine.

 

Not sure if you got this resolved or not, but if the accumulated crud doesn't get cleaned out of the groove then the seal will retract the caliper piston back too far leading to a mushy feeling piston.

As far as Castrol LMA is concerned, we have been told it's not as readily available at the usual outlets however we have plenty of fluid in stock. If you are in Los Angeles check us out at Steve's Jaguar Service.
Cheers.