Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2003 18:52:46 -0400 From: Dexter J <lamealameadingdongnopsamlamelame.org> Subject: Re: ABS unit on 9K
Salutations: CS wrote: > > My brake light & anti-lock lights on my '88 9kT came on and stayed on > yesterday, the fluid checked out fine, the brakes/clutch operated > fine, then suddenly the brake pedal was like standing on a rock, > losing about 95% efficiency. Took it to the SAAB dealer, and they > just called to tell me that it is either the pressure switch ($435 > part installed for a total of $704) or the ABS unit ($1,637 part, > installed for a total cost of $2,900), and if the ABS unit, there is > no work around for it. > > Though it's a bit much for a switch,/install, I can easily justify > dropping $700 to repair it, but $2,900 is getting into the ridiculous > range, though without brakes, the car's a 3,000 lb. pile of metal. Is > the dealer correct, if it proves to be the ABS unit, is there no way > to get around the problem by just doing without ABS? Interesting - I have the sort of the same problem on an 89Tcd except it (the light and the funny peddle dancing) goes away when it gets really slippery enough to kick in the ABS.. At which point the light goes away and the ABS kicks in like a viking.. I am told that general lack of regular activation on older ABS systems is the primary cause of premature failure.. I was told - and lord do not take this as any kind of gospel - but by a very experienced mechanic - that the system is fail-safe so that while ABS is not working in top condition - I still have a completely viable braking system and depending on how much I wanted to spend on her - I could leave it go as long as I still had brakes - although there are some issue with safety inspection here about it. But that's OK as she's staying with me till I have to put a round between the headlights and pull the seats out.. Basically - I was told to pay attention to it for any changes in terms of peddle pressure or sweep.. <<I AM NOT RECOMMENDING ANYTHING HERE - IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO BRAKE THAN TO GO>> However, when I asked closely - there was thinking that I could go back to mid-80's 900 (9000?) that didn't have ABS as the parts (master cylinder and everything else) apparently can be made to fit into the '89 9000.. I have not tried this yet as the condition I mentioned above has been stable for the past 2 years.. However, I was also advised that it wasn't a straight swap and so tinkering may be involved to make it work.. There are also some very good competition (non-ABS again) systems that will drop in with a little tinkering as well.. However - the non-ABS SAAB system are very inexpensive compared to the ABS parts.. It depends, I suppose, on your comfort level.. For me, I'm good with the occasional ABS light as long as I can still easily stop the beast using good old toes.. And as I said, it seems to kick in and start working again when it gets slippery here (which it does a lot).. You may not and you should adjust your driving style for a bit until you get used non-ABS system again or until you decide what to do.. I wouldn't be hauling any trailers with it though.. -- J Dexter - webmaster - http://www.dexterdyne.org/ all tunes - no cookies no subscription no weather no ads no news no phone in - RealAudio 8+ Required - all the Time Radio Free Dexterdyne Top Tune o'be-do-da-day 54-40 - Casual Viewing http://www.dexterdyne.org/888/114.RAM
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