91 Rear Brake ABS problem ??

[L5vw]

Just bought 91 and previous owner had just done calipers/pads/rotors and rear shoes...passenger rear seems to be getting hot and abs light will come on and pedal feels a little low.....cracked the bleeder on the abs thing on the framerail and nothing came out....I guessed the bleeder was the big thing near the top with a small hole and a rubber cap??...guessing that unit is bad? Sounds like a possible comon problem? Thanks for any info...truck is going to a shop next Tuesday if I can`t figure anything out !

 

[410Fortune]

I say ditch the RABS all together, you can bypass the RABS valve on the frame with a simple adapter.

Now if you want to see if you can get your RABS to work properly you must follow the correct proceedure for bleeding. You bleed the RABS valve FIRST, then move on to the rear drums.

Also a search on this forum for RABS will have you reading all about it

 

[L5vw]

Yeah, I`d like to just get rid of it! heard a new one is $300 +...any links to how to get rid of it? Thanks !!

 

[410Fortune]

remove the RABS valve (big box you tried to bleed)
You are left with an inlet line (from master cyl) and an outlet (to rear axle) all you need is the correct male to male flare fitting to mate the two lines. I cannot remember the size of the threads etc, but I found one in about 5 minutes of searching at Carquest. (Take RABS box there with you, this gives you both threads you need)


Unlug the RABS fuse if the RABS light comes on, or disconnect the RABS computer (explorer its behind the interior panel in the cargo area I think, behind rear d side passenger seat.

You will have to re-bleed the rear brakes.

Thats it!

RABS = POS anyways.

 

[L5vw]

Just took it to a good local shop and they bled and adjusted....still get loss of pedal after some driving and rabs light comes on.....going to replace the master, front brake hoses and rabs unit which is what the shop recommended....should be fairly straightforward if i decide to do it myself and parts are`nt too expensive...

 

[410Fortune]

Rabs unit is only $300+ (ditch it)

However I would take it back to the shop and tell them they did not fix the problem.

Loss of pedal is likely a leaking booster or a bad master cyl (leaky seals)

 

[L5vw]

yes..they said it needed the master etc but I just didn`t want to pay $600 for them to do the work..

 

[410Fortune]

I see. Master cyl is about $80-120 new from napa or Carquest
Dont trust rebuilt IMO, your life depends on it, and rebuilds from places like Autozone or Cragen do not have a very good reputation.