Golf GTI 8v 1987 Difficult bleeder?

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Mon 13 May 2002 13:25
Golf GTI 8v 1987 Difficult bleeder? - pmh
Having just replaced the front flexibles I have bled the whole system using a pressure bleeder. The pedal feel remains a little soft/spongy, particularly noticeable when servo operating. Stops ok and straight, but just does not feel right.
Discs all seem flat, pads new on rear, back flexibles all good.

Are they difficult to bleed, or should I just have another go? The pressure bleeder did not seem to operate veryt effectively on the rear, does the limiting valve have some effect?

I have not had problems using pressure bleeder in the past (on diverse cars). But my experience on Golf is limited.


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Mon 13 May 2002 13:46
Golf GTI 8v 1987 Difficult bleeder? - M.M
PMH,

I've not worked on the GTi but other models of this age have been fine.

First point has to be a re-bleed to ensure that was OK and you didn't trap a bubble somewhere in the middle of the system.

Yes rears often are slow to bleed.

Don't worry about the feel so much when the servo is assisting. Look for a hard pedal with the engine off and the servo pumped a few times to lose the vacuum.

Wonder how new those pads are. You can get quite a springy feel until new pads have bedded in over the first few days.

Last point would be to look at all flexy the hoses while someone stamps on the pedal for you, not one bulging?

Let us know how you get on.

David W
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Mon 13 May 2002 18:58
Golf GTI 8v 1987 Difficult bleeder? - Robert Fleming
I changed the brake fluid in my '88 GTI recently. It did take ages and ages for the new fluid to come out the back, but pedal feel is good, even though one of the rubber hoses is crying out to be replaced (didn't notice till afterwards).

DW's suggestion sounds good. Best to try waiting rather than drive yourself mad bleeding the thing again to no avail!
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Mon 13 May 2002 22:14
Golf GTI 8v 1987 Difficult bleeder? - El Dingo
I agree with the above replies - wait a few days, because (in my experience and all things being equal - in other words quality components) new brakes take a few miles to 'bed in' before the pedal feel tightens up.

But - if things are more 'extreme'....like 'pedal to the floor'...

You must be the judge!



El Dingo (Martin).
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Mon 13 May 2002 22:46
Golf GTI 8v 1987 Difficult bleeder? - Cyd
I have had a similar kit for many years, but the very first time I used it I put too much pressure in the tyre and damaged the master cylinder seals (I know it defies logic because one generates massive pressure with the pedal). Replacing the master cylinder seals sorted it out. Since then I've been careful to keep the tyre pressure to 15psi when using the kit and have had no further problems.

Another trick is to get someone to pump the pedal a couple of times at the same time as using the kit to shift really stubborn air bubbles.

Hope this helps.
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Tue 21 May 2002 19:39
Golf GTI Difficult bleeder? update! - pmh
After 100 miles the brakes certainly have a better feel (it is not just that I have got used to them, since SWMBO has been using it).
One trade tip I have acquired on the way is that using a ratchet strap on the rear compensator valve (to ensure that max pressure is passed thro) is a preferred way of bleeding the rears.

I will give it a few hundred miles and rebleed using this tip and report back then.

ta for help.
pmh (was peter)
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