so i fitted mk5 r32/s3 discs and calipers with new hel brake lines etc but i cant get the pedal to feel ok after bleeding, i have since changed both rear calipers with all new brake lines at the back, i have used manual bleed, pressure bleed and vcds bleed (not tried vcds bleed with new rear calipers etc yet), is there something im missing or any tips to bleed the calipers better

any advice at all would be great thanks

a3 8pa 2009 2.0tdi CBAB

Edited April 30Apr 30 by AudiXarl
update

I recall reading that the flexible hoses can suffer failure of their inner linings which is not visible from the braided outer surface. It may pay you to renew those.

okay thankyou so could i make all new lines to replace the flexi hoses except for the front braided ones I've put on new from HEL ?

I've used both manual bleeding and pressurised bleeding. You can use both, if you have access to Draper kit, just don't over-pressurise. Certainly helps without having to constantly top up at reservoir.

Often with swapping out calipers, you may need to bleed several times. I'm assuming you're starting at furthest wheel from caliper and doing it in order? As suggested, swap out the older flexi hoses at the rear. If car is manual - there's a bleed valve on the clutch too as it shares circuit. If clutch feels fine - then no need to go near it.

Are the bleed nipples on the calipers at the top. If they are on the bottom (which happens if lhs and rhs calipers have been reversed) you will never get all the air from the caliper pots.

On 5/1/2026 at 8:37 PM, Martin Cheney said:

Are the bleed nipples on the calipers at the top. If they are on the bottom (which happens if lhs and rhs calipers have been reversed) you will never get all the air from the caliper pots.

yeah they are defos at the top although they were on the wrong sides at one point as my mate was adamant that it didn't matter but I swapped them back when he left lol

On 5/1/2026 at 8:56 AM, spartacus 68 said:

I've used both manual bleeding and pressurised bleeding. You can use both, if you have access to Draper kit, just don't over-pressurise. Certainly helps without having to constantly top up at reservoir.

Often with swapping out calipers, you may need to bleed several times. I'm assuming you're starting at furthest wheel from caliper and doing it in order? As suggested, swap out the older flexi hoses at the rear. If car is manual - there's a bleed valve on the clutch too as it shares circuit. If clutch feels fine - then no need to go near it.

okay ill be back to it this weekend will bleed multiple times thanks man