I have a 1998 Chevy Blazer 4x4 that blew a brake line recently and I decided to buy a stainless steel kit to replace all the lines. After I replaced them I bled all the lines but the pedal wouldn't build enough pressure to stop the car while it ran in park. It does build pressure when the car is off so I'm not sure what the issue might be. I'm thinking there is a pocket of air in the abs pump but I'm not sure. If there is a pocket of air what is the cheapest option to bleed it (OBD rental or purchase)?

 

The factory way to do do the bleed is to use a scanner tool with the capability of cycling the ABS system to get the air out. I got one, an iLink brand one, that cost me about $120.

Something many of us have tried in absence of that tool, was a gravity bleed where you park with the front of the truck higher than the rear and let gravity do the work.

Some have tried activating the ABS by doing hard braking on gravel roads. But to do that, you have to have at least some ability to brake first to get to the gravel road safely.

Finally, I've seen pressure bleeder kits. I've never used one nor I have heard of anyone hear using one.

Perhaps someone else can offer some other ideas too.

I've also attached the brake bleeding procedure from my 1999 service manual. It also has some extra instructions at the end about using the GM scan tool

 

Several years ago I tried everything Christine mentioned and more (including standing on leg while rubbing my belly and head in opposite directions). Soooo many hours wasted. Frustrating as heck. Nothing worked. Finally bought a capable bi-directional scanner (they weren't any as low cost as they are now). Not including the time for the before and after regular bleed, the ABS bleed itself using the scanner took only a few minutes. My scanners have served me very well for so much more since I bought my first one and has been money well spent. If you can swing it, best option is to go with Christine's recommendation for a capable bi-directional scanner...or you'll probably end up at a shop having them do it. Just my experience.

 

Any scan tool either of you recommend? (budget friendly preferably)

 

You might want to spend some time on the internet looking for ones that fit your needs and budget. I would specifically look for ones that state their capabilities (i.e. can bleed the ABS on your truck), read reviews also. Christine mentions one and I think there are others on the this forum that mention others that also work and are budget friendly.

 

There is a thread on scan tools, but this is one place to start

https://www.videnttech.com/product/item-79.html

Be sure, to get a scanner with the features you need and can work with your vehicle.