question and poll regarding abs module

[zadam123]

I got my second abs module in the mail today and have a question do i have to replace the whole unit or just the plastic part with the connector? can it be seperated? If so does this mean i dont have to bleed the brakes?

Just trying to get around the 125 price tag mechanics want ( i dont know how to bleed brakes )

thanks

also just curious how many people have had this problem. maby we can get a recall. just seems crazy that this will be the second one i replaced in 4 years. that would have cost me 6,000 if i went to the dealer

[Hotsauce]

Theres a couple of torx screws that will allow you to pull the solenoid assy from the valve body. I would do it that way first. I'm assuming that the coils burn out over time, and the computer senses this.

Bleeding the brakes is easy if you have a helper. I'll give you the info if needed.

John C.

[zadam123]

so I could just remove the torx screws? should i expect anything to pop out or spring out, fall out, or leak out ( is there any fluid in this part?)i dont want to loose anything and then just screw the new one one with out bleeding the system?

[rowhard]

I talked about this once before, guess when Dino, aka Bandit was on the board. So will say it again, so,

insert 2 cents

The ABS module ain't much more then a shuttle valve, and if you don't lock them brakes up and use that shuttle valve, it does nothing but sit there and rust up since brake fluid is a big sponge for water.

When ever it rains or snows, I lock um up and get that valve jump'in and I ain't had any problem at all with my VX or other ABS equip't vehicles. I try and do this at least once a month.

remove 2 cents

[Hotsauce]

Undo the electrical connections, pull the screws, and the coils half can be removed from the valve body.

You can even drive with it off.

John C.

[Joe Isuzu]

hey, this sounds encouraging, if I don't have to fool with bleeding the brakes then I may try this
First I need to get the ABS module
Thanks for the input on ABS Rowhard, never thought I would consider intentionally engaging the ABS but I guess you're right, weird that I've got my 98 A4 (160k) with ABS and never had an issue and never engaged ABS, if anything, I think I have used ABS once or twice when I got the VX as the thing was so stinking heavy compared to what I had been driving, oh well, it's in need of replacement now regardless....

[VXorado]

Just got my VX last week and my ABS is going out. Other than not having ABS, is there any other reason to replace the module? Will it cause any damage to other engine parts? I'll probably fix it eventually regardless if I can get one for $130 <-thats a good deal.

Jon

[Gussie2000]

Just got my VX last week and my ABS is going out. Other than not having ABS, is there any other reason to replace the module? Will it cause any damage to other engine parts? I'll probably fix it eventually regardless if I can get one for $130 <-thats a good deal.

Jon

Hi jon.

No,it cause no issue to the engine or drive train.

I think many members just get the ABS off drive without it

[VXorado]

Okay, thats what I thought. I will let it stay broken for the time being. Thanks

Hi jon.

No,it cause no issue to the engine or drive train.

I think many members just get the ABS off drive without it

[etlsport]

yep, i drove around without my ABS for over a year, even passed MD inspection with it broken

[VXNIT]

Cannot get torx out due to limited space to just replace electrical side any suggestions

[etlsport]

iirc the only way anyone was able to remove the electrical side of it without removing it from the VX was to break the bottom mounting tabs off.. seriously.. its easier to just replace the whole thing and bleed the brakes

[Marlin]

I am sure I will get flamed for this, but I know there are some other VXers that run with the ABS fuse pulled. ABS is not really needed. Mine only activated when I am wheeling and brake on a loose surface, just feather the brakes, problem goes away. I am not a big fan of ABS in general. Mine currently works, but if it fails, that fuse goes bye bye.

[PK]

I have heard a lot of people say that they don't need ABS.

I would like to relate my experience -

A few years ago my son and I attended an Advance Sport driving day.
The day was held at a race track, 8 students, 4 small Alfa Romeos, 4 x experienced racing car drivers as instructors.
We were taught all types of braking techniques including ABS, cadance braking, feathering, and hand brake use for turns etc.
The Alfa's were set up with a dashboard switch that turned on / off the ABS.
A section of track was wet down and we all tried emergency stops from 50MPH with different techniques we had been taught. After trying in the Alfa's, we also tried in our own cars.

No one, including the race car drivers, could stop in less distance without ABS, as they could with ABS.
The different techniques we had learnt certainly made a difference, but the closest anyone got to an ABS stop (without using ABS) was about 2 car lengths.
By all means, drive your vehicle without ABS if you want to, but don't think you can stop as quick. It just ain't gonna happen.

Just thought it worth mentioning.

Of course Marlin doesn't need to stop any more, he can just crash right through.

PK

[don moore]

Of course Marlin doesn't need to stop any more, he can just crash right through.

PK

i like that