Akebono BBK: Install Help!

[SIK L]

Guys,

I've installed everything for the Akebono BBK, however after mounting everything and trying to drive, the brake pedal has no resistance and goes straight to the floor and gives me barely any stopping power. I've changed rotors/pads/calipers before, bled brakes lots of times, but never had this issue. Yes I did change to the stainless steel lines, and yes I made sure all lines/bleed screws everything was tight. There are no leaks either when I apply the brake with the car on.

If I mash the pedal very rapidly it builds up resistance and feels ok, but after leaving it for a few seconds it goes back to being soft and straight to the floor.

Any ideas what's wrong? I'm open to suggestions. If I can't fix it myself, I'm going to take it to the dealer :/

[zags]

The fronts have two bleeder valves on each caliper from what I recall, I personally haven't bled these, but I'd assume both of the valves have to be bled? Your brake fluid is topped off/full right? The only other thing I can think of is did you also source G's stainless steel lines? Since I believe the fittings (blocks?) are different...sorry, all that I can think of.

[SiMpLyMoDiFiEd]

it takes a while make sure you fully bleed the brakes new lines new calipers you have to fill lines and calipers... you just need to continue bleeding

[RED_DET]

The easiest and most effective to way to bleed brakes is a motive power bleeder and requires only 1 person. If you don't completely get all the air out of abs module you will experience exactly what you have. You also can try tapping lightly with mallet on side of caliper as your are bleeding them to get air bubbles to rise.

If you want a bleeder let me know. You will never bleed the brakes the old conventional way again.

[SIK L]

I was doing some trolling on other forums and realized that I installed the rear calipers on the wrong sides. Each rear calipers' bleed screws are facing downward, and I read that that is a big no no and is most likely the cause for my problem.

Can anyone verify if that is the sole cause of my problem? My bleeding technique is using the 2 person method and a clear tube draining from the bleed screw into a container.

[RED_DET]

Yes that would cause an issue. The other issue like I stated is air in the abs module. The two person method is dated and sometimes doesn't work as well on newer vehicles because of the human error factor.

[radigan]

How are you bleeding the brakes? I was told that if you use the pump method it will damage your master cylinder. Also, for the bbk, the bleeder screws are on top. Do it the old fashioned way, its the best way.

[Hollywood619]

The bleeder valves definitely need to be facing up. For newer ABS vehicles it is very important to use a power bleeder and not the old "pump and purge" method. You can rent a power bleeder at most auto stores and it runs of an air compressor.

[SIK L]

I used the old fashioned 2-man pump method to bleed the brakes. I actually purchased a Motive Power Bleeder 0107 from summit racing (sorry RED_DET I got ancy and couldn't resist paying via paypal lol.)

I'm going to bleed using the power bleeder when it comes in, as well as rotate those rear calipers and make sure the bleeder valve is on top.

Any way I can easily check/test whether I damaged the master cylinder?

[RED_DET]

No worries. I do accept PayPal too....

[SIK L]

Quick update:

Everything works great now. After using the Motive bleeder, it fixed the problem. I started with the rear passenger side caliper, and after about 30 seconds a TON of air bubbles came out. I proceeded to do the rest of the calipers and got very very little air. I will post pictures of the completed install after I wash the filthy beast sometime this weekend.

A couple points:

- BUY THE MOTIVE POWERBLEEDER. Best $60 I've spent in a long time. You need part # 0107 which is the kit. It says for Fords but it fits most Nissan/Infiniti.
- When you are putting the cap on the reservoir, it is a tight fit so you have to press it down pretty hard to fit over the o-ring, then turn it to lock it into place. Call the company if you have any questions, they are very helpful.

Thanks for everyone's help!!!!