Bypassing rear abs on a '91?

[Howling]

I have a 91 explorer that has been giving me some brake troubles.Both brake warning lights on my dash are lit.I have replaced entire front brakes,and recently did the rears.I have bled the system several times and I still have a spongy pedal until have way down on the travel of the brake pedal.

I have done some searching in this forum abut this issue and it seems to come back to the rabs,is there a way to bypass this?I was thinking of running new lines from the master cylinder back to the rear wheels and bypass the rabs.

If this sounds like it would work could some one reply on it.

Thanks,
Eric

 

[Howling]

anybody?

 

[Doug]

You have to remove the rabs module to by-pass it. It's on the drivers side frame rail under the drivers seat. It's possible you got air in the rabs module and you need a special tool to bleed it.

 

[Howling]

Doug,

Yea I have seen the module on the frame and I was trying to find the bleeder screw,but I couldn't find one.What tool do I need to bleed this module?
I would hate to take it in just to bleed the module.

Since I couldn't find the bleeder screw I just figured on bypassing the module since it seems to cause allot of problems in these years.What does it in vole to remove the module?

Thanks,Eric

 

[Doug]

Actaully I think it's a machine that bleeds it, not really sure I've never had to deal with it. To by pass it you're going to have to run new lines from the master cylinder to the rear brakes.

 

[Howling]

Thanks,I plan on running new lines this weekend hopefully every thing goes smoothly.

Do you know if I have to unplug any sensors,or can I just run the lines to bypass.

Eric

 

[Crankcase]

I woudl think there is a sensor you have to diconnect, which will keep that light on.

 

[410Fortune]

Okay okay okay you guys be careful here....his truck is a 91 with RABS, not 4WABS

the RABS module can be bypassed with a simple adapter, you will unhook the inlet line and the outlet line, then use a fitting to thread the two together.
You can unbolt the RABS module and remove it from the truck.
I also removed all the wiring and computer.
The RABS light will stay on unless you pull the computer connector off the computer as well (RABS computer)

Its been a while but I am pretty sure on a 91 with RABS the RABS module is mounted on the d side frame rail just above the rear axle (just like my 88 BII).

the RABS module is also different from the later explorers with 4wABS, meaning it can be bled. it has a bleeder screw just like the brake calipers and should be bled before both rear drums.....if you choose to go this route.

I removed mine, I found the RABS got me in trouble more than it helped, I choose to pump my own pedal and off road I like to have that control.

A spongly pedal can also mean its time for a new master cylinder, if fixing the RABS doesnt work.
Check for vacuum at the booster as well......

 

[goobenet]

You have a 91 with REAR ABS? My 94 only has Front ABS... How did you do that trick?

 

[410Fortune]

88-91 trucks have rear anti lock brakes. Your 94 has 4 wheel anti lock brakes, not just front, trust me

 

[Howling]

Thanks for the info 410Fortune,I'll try to find the fitting at the local parts store.Hopefully it solves my brake problem,this is my daily driver and I really don't want to pull out my other trucks to drive.Since the salt is all over the roads.

This all started when my right rear brake line rusted thru and I'm sure a bunch of air got into the system.I've tried to find the bleeder screw on the RABS,I did take off the rubber cover wich I'm sure is where the bleeder scre is located just can't figure out on who to bleed it.

Eric

 

[Bronco638]

Well, after last night's rain, the roads should be pretty clean. At least you don't have to work in the cold. It's still supposed to be nice this weekend.