Best Method to clean open brake lines

[dmorgan]

On my 1994 Mercedes E320 wagon, I removed the abs/asr hydraulic pump motor. I am replacing the abs/asr hydraulic pump because I believed the pump motor is worn out. All of the brakes lines are open meaning all four brake lines that are unscrewed at the calipers. I want to clean all open brake lines to make sure all of the fluid, gunk, dirt, etc., clean and free air flowing before I install the replacement abs/asr hydraulic pump motor and putting in brake fluid. I am not sure as to how to go about cleaning open brake lines.

However, I did saw a video showing this particular method of cleaning brake lines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3swnBRpneUQ

Is that an effective way to clean the open brake lines? Other options I researched so far is using brake cleaner inside the brake line and blow through the brake lines using an air compressor, vacuum pump or other means. Will a brake breeder kit I have will do the same thing? How about putting a thin wire inside the brake lines like a roto rooter type thing? Have anyone done this and if so what methods that would work the best? Any comments, feedback, advice is greatly appreciated.

[Sugar Bear]

The only thing I would do is flush the lines well with fresh clean fluid using a pressure bleeder. If the lines are blocked internally then they should be replaced as they are likely rusting internally. Please don't misunderstand, I'm NOT saying the lines are rusted internally but if they are blocked THEN I'd be concerned that they are rusted.

Been wondering lately how you are doing on this project.

Good luck!!!

[dmorgan]

Hi Sugar Bear, great to hear from you. I have been putting off the repairs since I last posted due to the hot humid miserable summer weather out here. Now is the time to finish where I left off.

I am a little confused about your last post. Using a pressure bleeder with open brake lines? None of the brake lines are connected to the asb/asr pump and I had removed the brake lines from all four calipers. Will follow up on the methods I am thinking about using a vacuum held hand pump and/or putting a cable wire thin enough to go inside the brake lines on all 4 locations on the calipers. Stay tune.

[Sugar Bear]

I've never seen anything placed into a brake line to clear it out. I've cleaned out plenty of bleeder screws though. Do you suspect something is/got in there? If yes you could blow air through them and maybe Brakekleen as you suggested. Once they are known clear, connect everything and pressure bleed/flush with brake fluid.


Good luck!!!

[dmorgan]

Update: I finished bleeding the brakes on all four calipers using the Motive pressure bleeder. This time the pressure on the Motive pressure bleeder is around 30 psi. Lots of air bubbles came out, especially the right rear caliper afterwards a smooth stream of solid brake fluid, no more air bubbles at this time. Will probably do it again. Now the brake pedal is getting a lot more traction.