Contaminated brake system = ABS Question

[Paul Vincent]

On my 1990 SHO, a new master cylinder was part of the fix, but the brakes began to lock up once again. So, a local brake shop said the likely the brakes were contaminated and replacing the ABS system would be big money. So, I've got new brake hoses; but if the rubber parts of the ABS also are affected, I'll need to replace it. My question is, "Can the ABS system be disconnected so that it would not affect the rest of the newly replaced parts?" I really don't want to invest BIG money in this car (at least now), but I do need to be able to use the car now.

 

[Mike Kopstain]

Paul can I ask you what they said caused the system to be "contaminated"? Did some foreign fluid get inside the brake system? Even if that happened, I would think that, at the worst, you would have to just replace the rubber hoses as it seems to me those are the only components susceptable to break down.

 

[Paul Vincent]

Mikeys_Taurus, The could not determine what it was. They weren't trying to sell me on the ABS system, as they were happy just to replace the hoses with the warning that the brakes might still not work. I'll be trying it out Saturday to find out.

 

[Mike Kopstain]

Find out what they say caused this... even if they aren't selling you on it, it just seems weird. I didn't think anything could attack the steal lines.

 

[SHOZ123]

A Ford dealer has a pump that can evacuate the old fluid from the ABS pump. You may want to try this. You can also **** the power to the ABS relay if you can find it.

 

[Paul Vincent]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[rangerj]

Paul,

Add me to the list of those who want to know, Contaminated with what, and how is this contamination causing the brakes to lock up?

Contamination in the brakes is usually a non-compatable fluid in the brake fluid such as water (moisture), or another type of fluid, say for example power steering fluid put in by mistake.

I have also herd of dot 5 brake fluid being added by mistake.

But what contamination are they referring to, or suspect, that would lock up the brakes.

Could it be rust that was caused by absorption of moisture over a long time? Maybe rust particles have accumulated somewhere and are blocking the return of the fluid to the resivoir.

I have seen this in the return holes of the master cylinder, where the fluid is prevented from returning to the resivoir leaving the pressure on the brakes.

Like the man said in "Dirty Harry, I gots to know".

Please keep us informed on this one. rangerj

 

[Paul Vincent]

rangerj, When I find out (if I find out), I will post it here. I've had this SHO since Oct. '92, and I'm not ready to lose it yet.