Ihatecars

Howdy all, I know this has been beaten to death, and I have read the search results. But I've not found the answer I needed.

It's a 5th gen '96 Accord EX. ABS light is on, pulled code 1: Pump motor overrun. Absolutely no leaks on the unit. Tried bleeding it per the intructions, no dice, couldn't get any fluid out of the bleeder. I've tried the handheld vaccum pump to pressurize the ABS reservoir while the pump was running, still no fluid comes out of the bleeder. It seems like the Accumulator or the Pump is shot.

I could get a remanufactured unit from BBA for about $650. I could also get the Accumulator ($220) and Pump motor ($250) from Honda. Which route should I take? Should I just get the rebuilt one, or rebuilt it myself with parts from Honda?

If it was for me, I wouldn't need the lousy ABS. But my fiance will be driving it soon, so I rest my case

Thanks in advance folks.


PS: Please, do not even mention dealers (stealers), I don't want to deal with the lowlife thieves, I already have enough problems of my own.


Modified by Ihatecars at 2:57 PM 8/27/2006

Honda-Master

residing in florida you DO NOT need the ABS system........car will brake normally , the only part that ABS really helps a lot is in a skidding situation , snow, dirt etc etc,
i had a 90 legend and drove without abs for years ,,no big deal. the lite on the dash was on and was annoying so i tool the bulb out

Ihatecars

Yeah, I understand what you're saying. But it's not for me, my girl will be driving it and I don't want to leave any doubts about it.

Thanks anyways.

hondadude

There is a check valve between the modulator unit and the pump that goes bad and keeps the unit from holding pressure. But you still should be able to get fluid out the bleed screw with the pump running; open the bleed screw slightly, then have someone key on the car to run the pump.
When you go to do this work on swapping out the units have lots of rags and 3 spray cans of brake clean. there is one line that will drain the brake master reservoir. I'm talking brake fluid everywhere!!!
Brake fluid eats paint if not cleaned off right away. Fender cover is a great idea.

Ihatecars

Thanks for the input hondadude. I think I'll just go ahead and replace the entire unit. I should've done it before I painted the car.

Thanks.

Hamburguesas

my 93 accord has had this problem for more than 6 years and i swear the car brakes fine, never had it lock up....ever!

KageOokami

This just happened to me a week and a half ago. I don't really know how it started. I took it to work and one of the techs said he'd run a diagnostic on it; he was originally going to replace my squeaky brake pads because I though they'd worn down (there's a good 75% left on them).

Another tech who was there, I think he said it could be the esm. Quote: "Yeah, those have been known to have S#!% for brains." A couple of days later the ABS light went off.

Ihatecars

Thanks for the input guys, I've already tested mine, the ABS is definitely gone. I've already decided to replace the whole unit with a remanufactured one.

Thanks.