Brake Bleeder Valve and ABS Scan Tool

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Semper01

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I just bought a 2002 Avalanche 1500 Z71.

The brakes are spongy, so I figured I'd bleed them. The first problem I ran into was the bleeder valve on the rear passenger side is pretty badly stripped. It's round. I could probably get it out with the right tool, but I'm unclear as to which valve to replace it with. The guys at autozone didn't seem to know for sure. Does anyone know exactly which valve I need for rear and front?

Also, I've seen this ABS scan tool mentioned a few times... Can I even bleed these myself without whatever that is?
 
I'd just replace the whole wheel cylinder if it were mine. Then bleed them as normal. I don't think you need anything special. The ABS scan tool would only be needed if you were having problems with the ABS system. Bleed them in order of right rear, left rear, right front, left front. I've been servicing my own vehicles for over 40 years and have always done it this way. After every 3rd bleed at each wheel, check the fluid in the master cylinder. I don't claim to be a mechanic, so don't just take my word for it.
 
Can I ask why you'd replace the whole wheel cylinder? Honestly, I wasn't looking to spend that much time just on bleeding it. I'm short on time and money (and knowledge).
 
Depress the brake pedal with a block of wood or anything you have. It does not have to be a lot of force you just want the piston in the master to move enough so that the feed port in the master is blocked. Remove the rounded bleeder with a vise grip or whatever your choice and take it to the parts store. Read this article concernng the ABS

http://stoptech.com/technical-support/technical-white-papers/bleeding-abs-brake-systems
 
I agree with Zora. That's the simple and more economical way to do it. It's always easier with a helper though. I replaced the wheel cylinder on both sides simply because the van had 192,000 miles on it at the time and one wheel cylinder looked like it was weeping. You never replace one, always in pairs. I replaced all of the brake hardware at the same time too. I just rolled 199,000 on it last week.
 
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