Giulia Brake Fluid Change

8585 Views 15 Replies 6 Participants Last post by undydu4e, 1 mo ago

Alfalisa62#

Discussion Starter · Sep 10, 2020

My Giulia is old enough that it is time to change the brake fluid. The procedure for bleeding the brakes looks to fairly standard EXCEPT for that the procedure calls for using a scan tool to check "volumes" via the Data Link Connector. Are there any Professionals out there that can tell me more about this? Can a home mechanic still bleed the brakes himself, or is it now necessary to have a shop hook up special diagnostic tools to do it?

From the AR Giulia Tech Authority:

If no components were replaced and the system was not opened, with the scan tool connected to the vehicle Data Link Connector, go to ABS control unit in the "Miscellaneous functions" menu and select:
- Check Air Presents in ABS Module.
- Check air in the hydraulic circuit between IBS control module and calipers. Refer to following chart for parameters.
Check that the value of Front Left (FL) - Front Right (FR) - Right Rear (RR) - Right Left (RL) volumes shown on the diagnostic equipment are within the ranges shown in the table.

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

Michael Smith

· #2 · Sep 10, 2020

The main issue is making sure the ABS distribution block and pressure reservoir get bled. There's also no mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the brake fluid.

Mike164S

· #3 · Sep 16, 2020

bleeding the brakes requires to put the rear brakes in service mode (can be done in the infotainment), and requires a motive powerbleeder tool with the european attachment set at 30psi. I've done it on my Q4 with no issues

This was posted on a different forum:
"Put the car in brake service mode in the infotainment system. Disconnect the integrated battery sensor (IBS) then remove the negative battery connection. Then service the brakes. Reconnect the negative battery cable and then the IBS. Turn on the car, don't start it, remove brake service mode, start the car, turn the steering wheel full left and then full right, recenter the wheel, turn the car off and you should be good to go. "

This is the factory procedure, hope it helps:

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Alfalisa62#

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 16, 2020

I also have the service CD from MOPAR Tech Authority, and the procedure for the Giulia and the Quad are the same. The procedure looks straight forward except for the ABS scan tool measuring volumes. Are you saying that you did the bleed but not the scan of the volumes and everything was OK?

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Mike164S

· #5 · Sep 16, 2020

correct, I did the bleed without the scan.

There is a program called multiecuscan which allows you to perform the operation with the proper adapter cables. I use it to reset the service interval during an oil change

Multiecuscan - Diagnostics software for Italian cars

Alfalisa62#

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 16, 2020

Mike, good to know about multiecuscan. Reminds me of the laptop connector cable and software that I had to purchase in order to work on my Evinrude outboard. And the oil change service interval reset is another one that has eluded me no matter what procedure I use. It is apparently a problem for the Dealer, too, since they did not reset it after their first free service.

Alfalisa62#

Discussion Starter · #7 · Sep 16, 2020

Mike164S said:
correct, I did the bleed without the scan.

There is a program called multiecuscan which allows you to perform the operation with the proper adapter cables. I use it to reset the service interval during an oil change

Multiecuscan - Diagnostics software for Italian cars

Mike, I can get the MultiECUScan Interface Tool Kit with adapters for $112 from Alfissimo. But re. the software, did you find the Free version satisfactory for the home DIYer or did you pay for the Registered version?

Mike164S

· #8 · Sep 16, 2020

you have to get a registered version, the free version is very limited. There are also ebay sellers in the UK which I have bought the adapters and elm327 usb from for much cheaper. I use an older spare laptop

BTW, I like your take on the transmission unlock tool. I am going to make my own, thanks for the idea!

Tekgnome

· #9 · Mar 9, 2022

Mike164S said:
bleeding the brakes requires to put the rear brakes in service mode (can be done in the infotainment), and requires a motive powerbleeder tool with the european attachment set at 30psi. I've done it on my Q4 with no issues

This was posted on a different forum:
"Put the car in brake service mode in the infotainment system. Disconnect the integrated battery sensor (IBS) then remove the negative battery connection. Then service the brakes. Reconnect the negative battery cable and then the IBS. Turn on the car, don't start it, remove brake service mode, start the car, turn the steering wheel full left and then full right, recenter the wheel, turn the car off and you should be good to go. "

This is the factory procedure, hope it helps:

View attachment 1648645

This comes up when googling for "alfa romeo giulia brake bleeding" Just wanted to pop in and say thanks!

As someone who just cooked a rear caliper this was exactly what I needed to know.

At the risk of reviving a dead thread, is there a preferred brake fluid that you use?

Mike164S

· #10 · Apr 3, 2022

Tekgnome said:
This comes up when googling for "alfa romeo giulia brake bleeding" Just wanted to pop in and say thanks!

As someone who just cooked a rear caliper this was exactly what I needed to know.

At the risk of reviving a dead thread, is there a preferred brake fluid that you use?

I used ATE Type 200 when I did this on my previous 2017 Giulia , but for warranty purposes, I believe Tutela is the better bet.

I will be buying the Tutela from the dealer when I do the flush on my 2020 Giulia later this year.

AriasWGTI2.0T

· #11 · Apr 24, 2022

Mike164S said:
correct, I did the bleed without the scan.

There is a program called multiecuscan which allows you to perform the operation with the proper adapter cables. I use it to reset the service interval during an oil change

Multiecuscan - Diagnostics software for Italian cars

Using the MultiECUScan, what are the steps to complete the operation?

Mike164S

· #12 · Apr 29, 2022

AriasWGTI2.0T said:
Using the MultiECUScan, what are the steps to complete the operation?

you don’t need MES to do the job, just put the brakes into “service mode” via the car’s infotainment

undydu4e

· #13 · 2 mo ago

Hello.
Can someone explain, why the battery has to be disconnected?

Michael Smith

· #14 · 2 mo ago

Possibly to keep the abs accumulator pump from running?

Also, the brake pedal is brake by wire so perhaps that's the issue.

You want to disable the electric park brake actuator. If that actuated accidentally you're dealing with a lot of force at the rear calipers.

Generally speaking service manuals recommend disconnecting the battery for all service work short of oil changes or brake pad replacement. It's not a bad idea. The theory is to prevent accidental shorting of any electrical circuit with metal tools.

undydu4e

· #15 · 2 mo ago

Thanks 😊

It only bothers me if disconnecting the battery opens some valves in the ABS system and that's why it's mandatory. Or is it just a safety method.

undydu4e

· #16 · 1 mo ago

Hello.
I have a licensed version 5.0 of the MES, but I can't find anywhere in it how to check the volumes (from the table) when changing the brake fluid. Apparently another tool is needed for this operation ?

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