ABS pumps,why do mine stop ABSing???

catgroom · Post by **catgroom** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:59 pm

Im about to fit my 3rd ABS/TRACS unit in 18 months.Should I check anything else first?

Had a chat with Rich and he seemed to think old brake fluid would have knackered the valves in the ABS pump.Saying that I havent had anything to do with sensors yet.So,have any of you and what do u do to service these???Anything else I should be looking at???

Cheers!

donpaulo · Post by **donpaulo** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 3:37 pm

This is no help to you whatsoever but maybe you can help me!? How do you know when your ABS pump has pumped it's last pump? On breaking heavily I get a nasty grinding sensation through the pedal? sound familiar?

Roo · Post by **Roo** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 3:39 pm

donpaulo wrote:This is no help to you whatsoever but maybe you can help me!? How do you know when your ABS pump has pumped it's last pump? On breaking heavily I get a nasty grinding sensation through the pedal? sound familiar?

Are your discs and pads ok?

donpaulo · Post by **donpaulo** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:15 pm

I should have described better, you don't hang about roo! I was just about to edit my last post!

Disks and pads are fine.

When I brake heavily on slidey bits the pedal sensation often goes suddenly from warm custard to granite against granite. There is no reassuring repetative pumping like what yid expect. MAybe that's what it's meant to feel like but it just seems wrong. Apologies for all double entendres in the last paragraph.

SanPhire · Post by **SanPhire** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 2:50 am

If you're on ABS MkIV then that sounds knackered to me - but could just be in need of new fluid as air in the system is going to damp the bouncy pedal of doom.

A full flush and switch to DOT5.1 bought pedal feel back into my life. This was done by Volvo for me because I was fed up of spongy brakes.

Finding a nice strectch of damp and empty car park - nip up to 40 then bury the middle pedal. If the ABS doesn't kick in, you'll hear noticable screach from the front tyres and lose traction (like under-steering, just in a straight line!) If the ABS does it's job - then you'll notice a change in pedal feel (should vibrate against your foot) and the front tyres will "crunch" to a stop. Steering the car should result in a positive change of direction (although in the wet you'll still understeer like a nutter)

catgroom · Post by **catgroom** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 7:41 pm

Sorted!Thanks to Rich pruen for finding a broken wire within the covering!!Mr clever fingers or what???!!!!!

Anyway,was a break there on the front left and was re-soldered and taped.

Now,curiously,the ABS works perfectly!

Many thx Rich once again!

Well chuffed,thats saved me Â£80 on a replacement from Lea Valley!

martinholmesuk · Post by **martinholmesuk** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 9:45 pm

Not the pump then was it mr groom

catgroom · Post by **catgroom** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:32 pm

Shut it Milfy!

martinholmesuk · Post by **martinholmesuk** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:48 pm