replacing the ABS module

[tom4bren]

"tom yea i was hoping you would PDF that for me"

Done.

Moncha will have to moderate before it shows in the How2 section.

Tom

Prolly won't have time for any 'watering holes' this trip. Hafta go downtown to pick up neice & MIL, then into Jersey for dinner with family.

[etlsport]

well had my first "oh %@&!" moment since changing the abs.. you know the story.. dark road.. rain.. deer.. i slam on my brakes.. feel like im not stopping fast enough.. but before i realized it i had stopped short of where i thought i would.. and the VW golf behind me was unable to stop in time but managed to veer off to the grass shoulder to avoid me.. i got out to check on the driver.. he just simply said "your car stopped faster than mine could"

so while they dont FEEL as though they are working as well.. it would appear they are

[VehiGAZ]

the VW golf behind me was unable to stop in time

A VW that can't stop as fast as a 4000 lb SUV?!? THAT'S the best test, Eric!

Some brake fluid facts & points to consider:

Brake fluid absorbs moisture if it gets the opportunity, and this makes it less effective. It's good to flush your fluid periodically. Many people use the colored fluids mentioned above to know when they have fully flushed each line. A helper is invaluable. There are also check-valve nipples you can use which allow you to pump the pedal yourself without a helper, but they have been known to fail. Easier to enlist a friend...

Any time the brake fluid system is opened (e.g, replacement of ABS module), air can and will get into the lines. As pressure is applied to the hydraulic lines during braking, the air bubble in the line compresses instead of your brake caliper, and you get no braking.

Replacing fluid will not necessarily change the feel of the brakes, unless you had an air bubble or a lot of moisture in the fluid. If you want a stiffer brake pedal, which just feels better and safer, you need to replace the rubber brake lines (from the end of the metal pipes to the calipers) with stainless steel brake lines, which do not stretch as much under pressure like rubber lines do and give the pedal a firmer, more responsive feel. It will not change your braking distance, though - that's still function of pads, calipers, and tires, not brake lines.

[tom4bren]

The pdf version of Eric's write up is in the download section. I'll see if Moncha will move it over to the How2 section.

Tom