Preventing ABS Damage Changing Shoes

[crsurf1]

I've searched the archives and haven't found very much on the subject, but the original owner told me that it is easy to kill the ABS on my SY if I don't do something special. Anyone out there who has heard of this? He said something to the effect of debris going back into the ABS unit thus ruining it. He also had a TY and it showed ABS code light and said it was caused by not changing the pads correct. I hate to sound like a troll, but the Sy 1542 is doing better than ever which I'd like to keep going.
Thanks
Craig

 

[Captain Morgan]

when changing the pads and you push the piston back into the caliper you basically force whatever fluid thats in there back up into the system. that supposedly will damage the ABS unit according to repair manuals. the way to prevent this is to open the bleeder valve and let the fluid out that way when pushing the piston back in, then refilling whatever was lost with new fluid.

I personally dont do it, but then again im waiting for the day my ABS craps out, im gonna throw a part and beat the crap out of my ABS unit like they did to the copier in office space.......

ok, enough ranting, hope that helps

 

[TurboManiacal]

when changing the pads and you push the piston back into the caliper you basically force whatever fluid thats in there back up into the system. that supposedly will damage the ABS unit according to repair manuals. the way to prevent this is to open the bleeder valve and let the fluid out that way when pushing the piston back in, then refilling whatever was lost with new fluid.

I personally dont do it, but then again im waiting for the day my ABS craps out, im gonna throw a part and beat the crap out of my ABS unit like they did to the copier in office space.......

ok, enough ranting, hope that helps

I'd recommend bleeding it properly. I too wouldn't mind going "Office Space" on my ABS unit...but there are other dangers besides just the ABS.

But first a paid anti-ABS message. Our ABS is a 3 channel ABS system vs. a 4 channel found on other 4WD vehicles. GM realized that there was a design flaw w/ 3 ch ABS systems on 4wd vehicles and initiated a recall. The SyTy's were left out. In our application the ABS is actually more dangerous and there have been many recorded instances were drivers of the SyTy's have found themselves in more precarious circumstances than they would have cared to be in. FYI this coupled with a good meaty set of 245's should be enough for you to yank that fire trucker.

Back to my experience. I too once changed some pads on some nasty brake fluid...only I didn't ruin the ABS I ruined the master cylinder. I knew something was wrong when a Type R I was racing cut me off at 90mph and slammed on the brakes and I did likewise only my pedal went to the floor. I crapped my pants last night and narrowly (inches) avoided an accident.

Bleed them properly...in fact bleed them thoroughly and flush the system.

 

[Ian Turgeon]

After having to change my caliper, I'd reccomend to all, next time you do change out your pads, remove the caliper from the brake line (simple banjo bolt) and dump out the junk in the caliper... a lot of sediment residing in there on mine.

 

[Sy769]

After having to change my caliper, I'd reccomend to all, next time you do change out your pads, remove the caliper from the brake line (simple banjo bolt) and dump out the junk in the caliper... a lot of sediment residing in there on mine.

And if said caliper is questionable, rebuilt units from parts stores are very cheap.

 

[crsurf1]

I'm glad I asked

I'm glad I asked

Holy cow,
I'm really glad I inquired as I was fixing to do it the old way. I still have plenty of pad left, but they're squeeling in a big way. I also have a wheel that has 0.025" runout, and was thinking of getting it straightened. Anyone think it's worth it? There's a shimmy at around 43mph to ~ 50 and it really smoothed out when I swapped the front wheels. That's why I used a dial indicator. I've had them rebalanced several times to no luck. They're brand new Dunlop Z rated tires and are smooth as heck above 50 to even 110.
Thanks
Craig
Sy1542

 

[InvisiBill]

http://www.syty.org/old/alerts.html

I also made a post not too long ago quoting my Chilton where it describes how to access the bleeder valves on the ABS unit itself.

There have been quite a few people here (myself included) who have had weird ABS light problems that went away simply with a thorough flushing of brake fluid. I'd highly recommend opening the bleeder, if for no other reason than to get some of the crap out. Make sure your reservoir is full, and add more as you go if needed, unless you want to go through and bleed out the whole system when you're done...