Braking system is Shot

[JoeC5]

Well I went to the mechanic today to have some codes pulled on my anti-lock brakes. To put it plan and simple I'm screwed. The brakes electronic control unit is shot. Cost of new unit is around $500-600. On top of that all brake pump is on its last legs also. Right now I am ready to explode. Every single day something goes wrong with the f$@#% truck. So lets tally up the repair cost for this week. On 4/19 truck going for rocker panel repair= $500. Then another $500-600 for the ECU and finally my A/C is another $300-400 to repair. I should just sell my truck and use that money for a down payment on a new truck. Preferably not FORD!!! Sorry just venting.

 

[CHH777]

Dude,

I'd deep six the whole freakin' ABS system, it sucks. You'd have to pull the hydraulic control unit and plumb around it but asides that it shouldn't be too hard.

--OR--

Just start searching for wrecked Explorers in your local yards to pull cheap replacement parts from.

 

[JoeC5]

Yeah I was thinking about that idea with the junkyard, but I dont know what kind of condition there ECU are in. I think i'm going to do this right. All new parts. Now I am clueless about the abs system. Is the Electonic control unit the same as the hydraulic control unit. Reason for asking is I am going to buy parts this week. He pulled 4 codes for the abs. 2 sensors, brake pump and electronic control unit. My main focus right now is on the ECU. Please help. Oh yeah since i am about to drop almost 2 grand in parts and labor, I am driving this thing till it dies.

 

[CHH777]

$2000!?!

Well, as with most electronic devices the ECU will either work or it will not work. Therefore, I highly recommend pulling a used one from a donor Explorer. Get a 30 warranty and you're set even if you pull a bad one.

The ECU is a computer that controls the HCU. The HCU is the pump that pulses you're brakes when ABS is triggered.

$2000 is just ludicrous. Hell, for half that I'll pull my entire ABS system and come install it on your ride. But seriously, there are so many junkyard Explorers available that it just don't make sense to line Ford's pockets. At the very least get a second opinion...

 

[JoeC5]

No not 2 grand for the ABS. $2,000 to fix everything meaning A/C, rocker panels and ABS system as a combined price.

 

[CHH777]

Ahh, I hear ya...

What ewactly did they tell you was wrong with your A/C?


BTW, I've already come to the conclusion that I'll be driving my 94 Navajo until I hit 6 lucky numbers...

 

[JoeC5]

My A/C went doesnt work anymore. Its been busted about a year. I believe they are going to do a complete conversion to the R-134a. The new parts is whats costing me the $$$$.

 

[CHH777]

When you say "doesn't work" what exactly do you mean? AC doesn't blow cold air? Compressor doesn't kick in?

We have a very good AC supply house here in Houston that can get brand new (NOT rebuilt) OEM AC parts for a lot cheaper than the dealership.

Does your system hold freon?

 

[JoeC5]

Nope, It doesnt hold freon. System is bone dry. The reason they suggested to convert because this will ensure that there will be no leaking of the freon.

 

[kvo]

If your system is leaking now, chances are it will still leak after you convert it to R134a. You can buy conversion kits from auto part stores for $50-60 and do it yourself. Just a thought.

 

[CHH777]

Have you found the leak yet? Does your compressor work? If it does it shouldn't be too expensive. A new dryer is only ~$40 and the orifice tube will run anther $12. Then just evacuate the system and find someone with R12 to recharge the system.

Sorry, it just kills me to see people spend good money on dealership repair. But hey, if that's that's available what can you do?

Best of luck...

 

[JoeC5]

I havent found the leak yet. I thought about that idea with the r-12. But unfortunately r-12 is very expensive. I went to 3 mechanics I know to see if they even have any since it not in use anymore. all of them are changing from $75-85 a pound. So my system would take 3 lbs if i'm correct. Thats a lot of money. So either way i'm stuck spending a lot.

 

[PhxExplorer]

Just a thought, but have you tried going to Pep Boys. I took my 91 there about 6 months ago to get the A/C charged and it only cost about $140. They also inspected the whole system and put in the dye in case I did have a leak. Maybe it will save you a little moolah!!!