Dumb mistake. I emptied the brake fluid out accidentally by removing the accumulator last night in preparation for it to come today. Walked out this morning and all the brake fluid has poured out.

Its a 1994 xjs with the abs system. It says everywhere not to run it dry. Now what do I do? Just fill it up and bleed the brakes?

 

After further research Im realizing that I would have had to bleed the whole system anyway after replacing the accumulator. Anyone have experience with this? I understand there is a scanner tool needed. The repair manual I have is crap...

 

You do not need to drain the brake fluid to replace the accumulator sphere. You must pump the pedal until the pressure is equal to atmosphere. You can 'pinch' the supply hose to the pump motor assy to prevent fluid loss. Unscrew the accumulator and replace it.

bob gauff

 

did you remove the accumulator because of stiff brakes?

 

I replaced it because of the brake light coming on. It was working great. Then I tried to bleed the brakes by myself and let the fluid get too low. Now I have zero brakes. Pedal just sinks to the floor with no pressure. Maybe I fried the pump? Or is there just air in the lines? Im going to have someone who knows what they are doing take a look.

 

I tackled this myself. To any newbies out there like me, send the $50 for the vacuum bleeder. I was able to resolve my problem easily with it. It also cut way down on the time required to bleed the brakes. also no tracking someone down and trying to hurry up for them while they hold the brake pedal down...