I have been having some braking issues lately, and I realized that my ABS unit is leaking brake fluid.

So on saturday, I removed the unit and replaced a couple O-rings in the abs pump because I thought that the pump might be leaking. Everything was fine for a couple days, but today it began leaking again.

I felt under the abs modulator and the entire bottom was covered in brake fluid.... so I took the unit out again and I was still unable to figure out where exactly it is leaking from.

So I disassembled the entire thing, including the pump, reservoir, and the individual solenoids and cleaned the fluid off of everything. I put it back together and installed it in the car with some new fluid, but I left all the brake lines disconnected. I started the car and let it pressurize the accumulator. Then I took the ABS unit out and set it on the workbench and I am leaving it there overnight so I can hopefully figure out where it is leaking from.

Any of you experienced anything like this? It just started happening all of a sudden...

How much does it cost to replace the entire ABS modulator unit? I wonder what they go for new/used?

Any info will be appreciated.

Dustin

 

It's good that you're doing a lot of the work yourself. That'll save you a lot in labor costs. I had the same problem with the ABS in my car and my local dealer replaced it for $600.00. That was with a 50% discount from the Acura factory rep. I believe they quoted me $800-900 for a brand new modulator.

 

Hmm, so it is really expensive then. I know like 99% of the ABS modulator I have is still good, I just need it to not leak!

Dustin

 

My ABS unit went out a few years ago. It was leaking fluid like mad. Once filled, it would loose most of the fluid within hours, and it just kept getting worse. The pump cycles itself off if the reservoir has insufficient fluid. Anyway (thank god this was under warranty), the dealer replaced it all for $2,100. Like I said, warranty . They told me that the ABS unit was seled, such that trying to replace/repair seals and other items wold just make the condition worse.

Hope it doesn't run you that much cash.

 

What is funny is that it has no problem keeping the system pressurized.

Hmm maybe if I fabricate some brake lines I can own my very own non-ABS GSR

Dustin

 

i'd hate to think if my ABS unit died.. but if i did.. i'd most likely have a non-abs gsr also

that $2100 can go towards something else

 

no more insight?

 

Enlighten me folks. I need some way to fix this... either that or instructions on a non-ABS gsr conversion

 

i gave up and pulled the damn ABS fuse.

 

I took the entire thing apart again and reseated all the solenoid O rings and I think it may have stopped leaking for good now. I am about 95% sure. Let's hope it stays that way.

Dustin

 

How did you bleed the ABS Cylinder?

 

Well, the O rings were all in great shape. I honestly do not know what was (is?) wrong. I would have to replace these O rings (special size) with stuff from autozone, and they would not fit properly. Acura will not sell me the individual O rings, they want to sell me the entire ABS modulator for $1000.

It actually is not all that hard to take it apart... Takes about 10 minutes to remove it from the car and 10 minutes to completely disassemble it. Bleeding the brakes is what takes forever! I put together a solution to bleeding the brakes by myself though, I went to the pet store and bought a check valve and put it in line on some vacuum hose on each caliper, and then I just pumped and re-filled the MC until all the air was gone. Worked perfect.

Dustin

 

There is a bleeder screw on the ABS modulator, I just got a little tube and fit it over the screw and put the other end of the tube in a cup. I slowly loosened the screw, and the accumulator depressurized. Then I started the car and let the ABS pump re-pressurize into the accumulator again, and bled it once more. I kept doing that until I could hear the pump run dry and the reservoir was empty.

Dustin

 

Longacre sells a complete brake line kit for $110 including stainless steel flex lines that are not DOT approved! Get a flare kit and tubing bender from the Eastwood Company and by the end of the day you'll be ABS free. You use a small piece of your line after the proportioning valve, flare it with one of the Longacre #3 AN fittings and you are converted over to #3 from that point on. It's not fun or easy but very possible. I also have my old ABS unit if you can't get yours to seal.