Bleeding the ATE ABS Brake System

As promised in last month's i Saluti, I'm presenting the Workshop Manual procedure for bleeding Teeves ABS brakes. I was simply going to photocopy the procedure, but enough of it is in "pseudo English" that I thought it would be best to provide my translation of the text where necessary.

CAUTION:

• Check that the brake fluid level does not fall below the minimum during bleeding, especially when working on the rear calipers since the high pressure fluid tends to spurt.
• Do not reuse brake fluid after draining it and dispose of it properly.
• Brake fluid is harmful to paint and skin: avoid contact.
• Do not carry out this operation simultaneously on the front and rear brake calipers. First bleed the front calipers, then the rear.
• The electropump should never operate without pumping fluid as this may damage the pump; ensure that there is adequate brake fluid in the reservoir at all times.

WARNING: The system contains pressurized brake fluid, work with caution.

1. Place car on a lift.
2. If necessary fill up the reservoir with the recommended fluid: The manual recommends ATE "S", Agip Brake Fluid Super, or IP Auto Fluid FR. The brake fluid reservoir cap indicates to use DOT 3 rated fluid. Other sources indicate that DOT 3 or 4 rated fluid may be used.
3. Raise the car and remove the dust caps from the brake caliper bleed screws.
4. Front brake system bleeding:
   a) Connect a hose to bleed screw 1 and dip the other end of the hose into a container filled with the recommended brake fluid.
   b) Loosen the bleed screw and pump the brake pedal. When pumping, allow the brake pedal to return to its upright position and pause a few seconds between each stroke. Keep pumping until the brake fluid is free from air bubbles. Tighten the bleed screw and remove the hose.
   c) Repeat steps 4a) and 4b) on the other front caliper.
5. Rear brake system bleeding:
   a) Turn the key to IGNITION. The electropump should come on briefly and pressurize the brake fluid in the accumulator to the required level. The electropump will then shut off.
   b) Connect hoses to bleed screws 2 and dip the other end of the hoses into a container filled with the recommended brake fluid.
   c) Loosen the bleed screws and keep the brake pedal slightly pressed until the brake fluid is free from air bubbles. Tighten the bleed screws and remove the hoses.
   d) Repeat steps 5b) and 5c) on the other rear caliper.
   
6. Reinstall the dust caps onto the brake caliper bleed screws and top up the brake fluid reservoir.
7. If bleeding has been carried out correctly, there should be no sponginess in the brake pedal after the pedal's initial free travel. If there is, the bleeding procedure must be repeated.

Essential to solving any mechanical or electrical problem, is having a good workshop manual. The manual I used to diagnose and repair the ABS brakes was purchased from Carter Hendricks at Quattroroute for about $75 (for the Milano/GTV6). Also available is a manual for the 4-cylinder cars for about $30. I highly recommend the Milano manual, I have not seen the 4-cylinder manual. The manuals are also available from Alfa Ricambi.