1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
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As inspection time approached, I finally spent the Tech II fee at my local indie Saab mechanic to finally diagnose my 1999 9-5 ABS system failure. All the associated dash lights had been lit for 6 months and I had all ready done the control module rebuild by BBA to no avail. The diagnostic code came up indicating that one of the internal solenoid valves had failed (a rare occurence) and the only solution was the costly replacement of the Bosch ABS unit ($2,500 for part only, including control module!!!). I'd been keeping my eye on E-Bay, but as luck would have it, the indie garage had a compatible junker car in their yard and let me have at it with tools in hand for $275. Careful removal and lots of paper towels to sop up the brake fluid and the used replacement unit was mine. I got a little smarter and pulled all of the brake fluid out of my car's reservoir with a turkey baster before doing the transplant surgery. I even labeled all 6 of the brake lines into the unit just to be careful in the transfer. Cleanliness was paramount so as not to contaminate anything. Using about 3/4 large bottle of Prestone brake fluid, I got the system properly bled and the moment of truth came with the successful turn of the key and no more ABS system failure dash lights! aAn't wait for those icy winter patches!!
For anyone attempting this not so hard DIY job, a few pointers.
Do fork over the money for the Tech II diagnosis. If you're lucky, maybe only the control module is bad. ($189 BBA rebuild). Don't put off fixing this problem. My indie mechanic says that you do have braking, but you certainly don't have full advantage of a functioning ABS for panic stops, and he adds that you actually are relying more on the rear brakes being favored by a fairly standard brake balancing valve that is also built into the system. If you've got deep pockets, by the new ABS replacement part, if not, get a used one with some sort of warranty. Again, observe all good mechanical practices for brake work...cleanliness, proper tools (flare nut wrench for brake line connectors), and careful patience and double checking your work. Remember to bleed the brakes in cross sequence starting with rear to diagonal front.
Best of luck!
Kirk D.
posted by 169.253....
, Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:18:41, Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:06:41, Sat, 30 Aug 2008 09:17:30
, Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:49:21
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