ABS Blues

[Beerdog]

The feared yellow light is on... and my trusted mechanic says that I need a
ABS Modulator ($2625.00) and Accumulator ($528.00) for my 91 NSX. I'll pay the price if I must...but before I do... Is there any places out there where I can get them for a cheaper price???? I live in Northern Cal... and has anyone had the same experience???

 

[MIKE5261]

my first question is why does it need both, are there metal shavings in the resavoir of the modulator? Does the brake pedal have good kickback? is there pressure in the accumulator? what was the code for the light on? Has he tried to bleed and exercise the system first? alot of times there can be other options before replacement of expensive components. a lot of times the abs system can have problems due to lack of use, I try to exercise my system every time it rains get the pump running and I know that I have shavings in my modulator but I try to keep it clean i also know that the pressure in my accumulator is getting low and will need to be replaced and I'am probably going to get a used one from a 95-96 model it is the same part # from 91-96
my 91 nsx has 338,000 miles on the original abs system. I would suggest asking a few more questions and possibly a 2nd opinion before taking the deep plunge

 

[mystican]

Yes, that sounds really weird to me...I am sure someone can repair the current items you have on the car...if in fact they are bad..

338,000 miles....that is simply amazing...what kind of history on the car...repairs...mods...etc?

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Beerdog,

The probability if either of these things needing replacement is low IMO. Are you familiar with the threads on this forum for "excercising your ABS system", and flushing it out to unstick the selonoids?

If this has not been done COMPLETELY, I would NOT change anything yet. Do a search on ABS and find one of hundreds of threads on this topic.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[nsxtasy]

Is there any places out there where I can get them for a cheaper price???? I live in Northern Cal...

Join the NSX Club of America, then take your car to Niello Acura, one of the best NSX service dealers in the state, not too far away from you. They give hefty discounts on parts to club members.

 

[NSXDreamer2]

I will definately fill up the ABS reservior and do some brakings, I had 2 experiences on my 95 accord and my friend's 93 integra, both incident the ABS light lighted up and after we brought the fluid up to level, we perform some braking, yet the light still on, but in both cars, after few days of driving, the light suddenly go off, and the ABS work fine till then... FYI: the 93 integra driver is a girl and she doesn't drive her car in any serious manner. I have yet seen any nsx driver reporting the simular experience, but it doesn't cost you anything to try. Just pour in Brake fluid in the reservior.

 

[Beerdog]

Thanks everyone for their responses... I will follow up with your suggestions.
I was in a panic... Only had the NSX for a week. It's a 91 with 36,700 miles. One owner car. Pretty much all stock except for a performance exhaust system. No mods.... Niello Acura is only about 35 minutes away.. so I will surely use them as a resource and look into NSX Club of America...

 

[MIKE5261]

My nsx is stock except for the wheels they came off a 2000 nsx my steering wheel came from a 2000 nsx as well. the repairs performed are typical, clutches 2 ac compressors 1 evaporator 2 condensor fan motors 1 blower motor 2 antenna motors, brake pads, lots of tires 3 batteries, 1 windshield lots of oil changes

 

[Beerdog]

LOL,
To me it's still worth it... Boy, I love this car. Even if I have to stop drinking Corona's and start drinking some generic beer and save for my repair fund... :smile:

 

[MIKE5261]

It is worth every $ put in this car i love to drive it every day and I still get depressed when I cant,IT is almost like you cant live without it i can tell you that in 338,000 miles there has been over $50,000 spent in upkeep and remember the car is 14 years old. that is less than .15 cents per mile, so you can drive the car and keep the carona's

 

[todddejag]

Are you sure about the problem being ABS? Had a similar problem with my '91, when driving (usually over 80 MPH or 4,000 RPM) the ABS light would suddenly come on with the ck. eng. yellow light following. (you could feel the ABS kick out & eng. sound change) Sometimes light would go out after shutting car off & restarting...after reading several old threads on this site, came to the conclusion that it was the speed sensor on the transmission.... If you become a member of NSXCA you get hugh discounts from dealers...Ray Laks in NY gives 30% off, no tax & free shipping! Got info off this site for location & install of the part. Did it myself in about 30 mins. Cost about $110 instead of the $358 my local dealer would charge. Car works perfectly now & ohhh what a difference in power & performance! I love this car & can't get enough of it. This car is oh so simple compared to my '69 E-Type Jag rdstr.!
Good luck...Deborah in Knoxville,TN

 

[DanO]

A little DIY that might of help: www.danoland.com/nsxgarage/brakes/abs/abs.htm

If you don not feel comfortable doing DIY then I agree 100% with nsxtasy – take it to Niello as they should be able to do the same thing with their ALB diagnostic unit. Please keep us informed, as LarryB said, it is unlikely that the unit needs to be replaced.

Good luck,

DanO

 

[Beerdog]

First of I have to admit that "I am no mechanic"... :redface: Okay... Now that I have that off my chest... I will give you the happy news... It was not the ABS after all. The mechanic did his homework and tried a few things including bleeding the brakes..and the light is now gone. The master cylinder was replaced (leaking), and the radiator was replaced (leaking)... which were things that I knew had to be done... So now the car is running fine... Thanks to everyone for their input... This forum really rocks.. I hoping to post my first pics in the next couple of days...

BeerDog

P.S. I'm sure there are doubts about my mechanic... I just wanted to add that he is a personal friend. I wasn't charged for his time.. and I was aware of the leaks by the spots on my garage floor. I highly recommend "Auto Fix" to anyone who lives in the Stockton/Sacramento areas. Very resonable and very honest..