Hi all.
I bought my 1998 XK8 five years ago. I noticed a little brake pedal travel but car stopped fine. I read this is somewhat normal for this car.
I had my ABS control module repaired because ABS and Traction Control lights came come. This repair fixed the ABS problem and system check is all good. Little (tad) brake fluid lost upon replacing ABS module. The brake fluid reservoir is full.
I went to test the car and now the pedal goes nearly to floor before any braking happens. There is no brake light on. The e-brake does set the light on. I nearly have to pull e-brake all the way up before any feel of rear brakes.
So I’m wondering where to look. Pads are good.
Anyone have an idea as how to remedy this?

 

Have you tried bleeding the brake system again after replacing the ABS module?

 

No I haven't but wondering why brake light warning didn't set off.

 

It’s an almost certainty that there’s air somewhere in the braking system. A vacuum bleeding system should pull out the air the easiest.

Z

 

Even in top original condition I do not consider the brakes to be good or the pedal travel satisfactory. The reason is that the inlet vacuum and hence vacuum to booster is not a low as in most cars.
Search my threads to find how to fit an electric vacuum pump which will cure break travel and raise breaking force by 2.
MOT figures up from 150 to 300 on brake tester

 

I've used a pressure bleeding system on my 98 XK8. I had used vacuum bleeders in the past but found that air was often flowing past the bleeder threads giving a false impression of air in the system. The pressure bleeders which are pretty cheap made the job so much easier. An added benefit is that you don't have to be concerned that the master cylinder will run dry as it is always full during the procedure. It's also an ideal time to completely change all your brake fluid. That's quite often something that is overlooked.

 

but then my girlfriend misses out on the joyful bonding experience that is helping me bleed the brakes...

 

should’ve bent the lines out of the way and not cracked them loose. these don’t have a scan tool service bleed so getting air out of the abs valve block is a pain in the ***.

bleed it normally. if it’s still bad do several emergency stops and just keep bleeding

 

Haha! What a fortunate advantage you have - A partner who helps you and perhaps enjoys it?. I've found many ways of doing jobs on my own without having to asking my busy partner to help.

 

getting my partner to stop doing her valuable work to help me with my car maintenance is like pulling teeth with a tweezer.

but once and a while, I get the feeling she’s grateful to get away from her duties and just get immersed in another world.

Z

 

Pump your girlfriend not the brakes