Brakes = Teh Suck, time to delete the ABS?

[Fidhle007]

So my brakes have never been great so I decided to treat myself to some new Hawk pads, Zimmy rotors and some stainless lines from TMS. It was better, but still not great and now when I push it hard, I'd start boiling fluid. Upgrade to Super Blue and so far no boilage but there's still a distinct lack of brakey-ness unless you have a lot of weight on the pedal. After having my boss drive it we're starting to suspect the ABS pump, especially because the pedal takes a lot of force to press down, even with the bleeder nipples open on the calipers. I would suspect one of my new lines but the force needed to compress the pedal is consistent no matter which caliper is open.

ABS pumps are prohibitively expensive these days so I'd rather just delete it all before spending money that could go into paying off debts and larger brakes and such.

Has anyone had a similar issue with your brakes, feeling like there was some sort of restriction pretty far up in your system and if so, was it indeed the ABS pump?

Thanks!
Brendan

[atomic]

noob.... jkjkjkjk












That sounds suspicious for sure on the ABS pump. Sounds like you have the same basic setup I have (with the exception of my e30 m3 5 lug/brakes) and I do not have that issue with the pedal feel. But I also intend on deleting the ABS when I do the motor swap, to free up room in that corner of the engine bay for possible FI room on the s52...





:drink:

[torqueflight]

I'm intrested in hearing about this. I was also thinking abs delete. Only thing that bothers me is water. I don't really feel inspired in the wet.

M

[BimmerTim]

I didn't have this problem, but I have deleted my ABS. I personally hate it.

[Fidhle007]

I have the IX (w/ ABS) for winter now so I'm not too worried about having it on the swap car. Deleting it seems pretty simple, I just have to find an electronic proportioning valve so I can adjust my brake balance from inside the car...

[FLUTE007]

you could crack the lines before the pump and see if it is the pump, if dosnt get any better, its prob the master.

[FLUTE007]

oh ya, i love no abs. less is more.

[Fidhle007]

Yeah, it's definitely the pump... The good news is that it's only $1987 from BMW! Or I could delete it AND put four piston Wilwoods on all corners for only slightly more...

[Fidhle007]

This may seem stupid but I can't remember the answer and I don't have my car in front of me: does the front of the MC power the front brakes or the rear?

[Mike B.]

I have a spare ABS pump for WAY less than $1987. :) It worked fine when I removed it for my Euro S50 swap.

PM me if you are interested.

[Fidhle007]

I'm actually getting kind of excited about the thought of not having ABS but I'll certainly give that some thought... Thanks!

[kenika65]

Just bleed it correctly and your pump should work again, abs pumps have bad problems with air bubbles getting stuck in them.

I also have a pump off of an 89i... 75+ shipping.

[NOMAD]

I'll search later but what's the right way to bleed the ABS pump?
I've got old brake fluid so once i change all that out I'll see if ABS engages but right now I think it's missing in action.
I plan to replace fluid, lines and pads etc. Maybe grab a spare ABS relay to make sure it works too.

[netcsk]

The best way to bleed the ABS pump is to lock up the brakes. The pump will push the air out; then you can bleed the brakes again.

[Fidhle007]

Just bleed it correctly and your pump should work again, abs pumps have bad problems with air bubbles getting stuck in them.

I also have a pump off of an 89i... 75+ shipping.

I think I bled it correctly, I used a lot of Krylon Silver Metallic, is that the best color?