I fixed my RABS . . . .

[PetesPonies]

I had the typical problems. I have an '89 Ranger and the ABS light would come on if I hit the brakes hard, then back off after startup until I hit it hard again. The brakes pulsed badly when traveling at highway speeds etc. I finally pulled off the RABS assembly and took it apart. I pulled out all the valves and the actuator/plunger. I cleaned everything. I found some small rust issues and a stuck valve. I did not find gook inside like some elude to though. I had everything working and sliding well, cleaned up the electrical connections at the actuator as well. I lubed it all with brake fluid and reassembled. I have only gone about 20 miles, but it works perfectly again. Cost?? NADA !!

 

[PetesPonies]

Its now been over two weeks since I did this and no problems at all. I think I can say its fixed good as new As much of a problems as the RABS is, I'm really surprised there were no comments . . strange. But hopefully its helping someone.

 

[martin]

The reason you did not have any comments is probably because the valves usually fail with an external leak, in which case it's just easier to rip them out and throw them away. Your post was informative and I'm sure many people found it interesting, including myself.

 

[Guilius]

The post had 154 views, so I'm sure it helped someone.

 

[PetesPonies]

I agree about how they can fail. But the point of the post was that there isn't much to them inside. Unless one was rusted badly, there is a good chance any of them can be fixed/overhauled. Its just a matter of disassembly, cleaning and reassembly. What I want to pass along is that you should give it a try. It doesn't take special tools, just about an hour of your time and common sense.

 

[multiranger]

What would be really nice is if you knoew the code you were getting by flashing the ABS Mod and posted it... No need to take it apart if that isn't the problem.. I will say it is some great info though.

 

[Hawk1339]

What would be really nice is if you knoew the code you were getting by flashing the ABS Mod and posted it... No need to take it apart if that isn't the problem.. I will say it is some great info though.

There is a way to read the RABS codes without a scanner. It involves disconnecting a connector on the RABS control module and grounding the black/orange (keep alive/test) wire. The RABS light will flash the stored codes.

The exact procedure is on the Ranger service CD or can be found on the internet with a little diligent searching.

 

[PetesPonies]

The RABS is known for clogging up and sticking. Taking it apart does not take long and is not difficult as I tried to show. If it were a rare problem I would agree with you , but the problem associated with it is common and across the board. Cleaning it and saving $125 or more is a good deal in my mind.

 

[Hawk1339]

For anyone interested, I have posted the procedure for retrieving the RABS II diagnostic codes:

RABS CODES



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[HndMeDnBroncoII]

thanks for the info helps me out
keep posting

 

[patstac]

Thanks for the posting! My pedal had a spongy feeling to it and after 2 master cylinders, a booster, new shoes, pads, a lot of bleeding and finally this post to actually fix the problem I had. The sponge effect was the spring loaded plunger giving because the ABS valve was rusted stuck in the active position.

 

[PetesPonies]

Now we're talking . . someone that actually benefited. Cool!! Good luck and you're welcome

 

[cocoasranger]

Now we're talking . . someone that actually benefited. Cool!! Good luck and you're welcome

I took note of your first post on rebuilding the rabs unit but did not reply since I had the same problem and had it replaced a year ago for around $150. All I read searching posts prior to having it repaired was "don't even try it, special tools required, no user serviceable parts, blah, blah, blah".

Still kicking myself for not trying, but thanks for posting since it will help others in the future.

 

[jrqf]

RABS light my fix

95-2.3-5spd I pulled the abs resister and put in after one minute and the light went out. The the ignition was not on and the battery still connected....

 

[bryanb]

this is going on my To Do list next spring, just in the name of cleaning, and preventative work, along with
http://therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?p=865058.