ABS fluid leak question

[Beaknose]

Fellow 'X' owners,

Two days ago, my '91 had a small puddle of brake fluid on the ground that appeared to have originated from the ABS resevoir. When I removed the cap, I noticed that the resevoir was full to the brim, I figured the fluid seeped over the top. I have never added fluid to the car (I have owned it about 6 weeks). I siphoned out the excess until it read to the maximum line. When I stared the car, I let it idol for about 10 minutes continually watching the level. When I did not see it change, I put the car in gear and applied the brake. I immediately heard a rumbling noise coming from the ABS unit. I opened the hood and the resevoir level was empty. I immediately shut-off the engine, re-filled the resevoir to the max level again, put the car back in the garage and watched the level. It never changed. I have driven the car about 30 miles since then, nothing has changed as far as the level and the leaking. No more rubling noise either. Any suggestions? Thanks.

John
'91 Red/Ivory

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Hi John,

Sounds like your ABS system HAD a stuck selonoid, and now it is cleared up. Actually, this is very typical behavior.

When the selonoid is stuck it will shoot pressure back into the reservoir. The system does not try to pressurize itself until the car is moving (3 mph I recall). Sounds like you moved the car slightly in the driveway and the pump started running.

You should be activating your ABS at least once a month to mininize this failure mode.

I would get a can of BrakeKleen, and spray the area under and around the ABS system since the brake fluid will eat any painted surface. (especially the black painted ABS pump bracket)

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Beaknose]

Larry,

Thank you so much for the reply. Is there a possibility that the ABS unit is damaged due to this noise? Also, what is the best way to activate the ABS? To most 'X' owners, this seems like a stupid question, for me the novice owner, I still have a lot to learn about this car. Thanks again.

John
'91 Red/Ivory

 

[Larry Bastanza]

1. No Damage

2. Find either a gravel area or a wet road, that is clear of traffic and SAFE. Lock them babies up a few times in a row. You will feel the brake pedal kick back at you, repeat 3-4 times, and them perform this about once a month. We call it "exercise".

All should be fine after that.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Beaknose]

Larry,

Sounds like a great idea. I'll be sure to try it in the next day or two and let you know how it goes. One more question if you don't mind; when I topped the resevoir off, I used what was in my collector bottle (originally in the resevoir) and then the rest was not actual Honda brake fluid. I just used your run-of-the-mill DOT3 brake fluid you purchase at any autoparts store (not very much, maybe a tablespoon or two). Is this a cause of concern for the ABS system? Would you suggest having Acura flushing out the fluid and replacing it with their own? Normally I am not this anal with a car, but this car is truly special, don't you agree? Thanks.

John
'91 Red/Ivory

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Any clean DOT3 is fine for the ABS.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Ray Rodriguez]

When activating the ABS, how fast should the car be going before you lock your brakes? THANKS

 

[Ray Rodriguez]

Is there another way to activate the ABS since I dont drive my X on gravel roads or wet roads

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Hi Ray,

Good One!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL................................ I would be up to about 30 mph.

Later,
LarryB

 

[Beaknose]

Yesterday, I took my 'X' to a back country dirt road. I 'exercised' the ABS a couple of times by applying the brake hard. Each time I did this, the system worked perfectly and the pump went off each time. The fluid level did not overflow either. Larry, thanks for the great advise. I will be sure to do this on a regular basis to keep the system working properly.

John
'91 Red/Ivory

 

[Jeanie@NA2_NSX-R]

Yesterday, I took my 'X' to a back country dirt road. I 'exercised' the ABS a couple of times by applying the brake hard. Each time I did this, the system worked perfectly and the pump went off each time. The fluid level did not overflow either. Larry, thanks for the great advise. I will be sure to do this on a regular basis to keep the system working properly.

John
'91 Red/Ivory

You're a lucky man...
However, I "Exercised" my NSX for many times, the ABS still cound't reset. In fact, this ALB light has been "ON" since 2 years ago... I think it's a bit later for me to do this exercise.

 

[apapada]

I immediately heard a rumbling noise coming from the ABS unit. I opened the hood and the resevoir level was empty. I immediately shut-off the engine, re-filled the resevoir to the max level again, put the car back in the garage and watched the level. It never changed.

Since the reservoir was let be empty, I'd bet that you have air in your system now. I would perform at this point a brake fluid bleeding to take care of the air in the system (spongy feeling of the brake pedal).

Another great tip is to change (flush) the brake fluid on a regular period, especially if you track the car or drive enthusiastly enough to heat the brakes enough to experience brake fade. In any case, most brake fluids deteriorate over time and humidity. Flushing the brake fluid will also take care of the potential air that got trapped in your system and also get rid of the tiny particles that can also cause your ABS valves and solenoids to stick open or closed.

hope this helps

 

[DanO]

I would perform at this point a brake fluid bleeding to take care of the air in the system (spongy feeling of the brake pedal).

Let’s not confuse the regular braking system’s fluid with the Anti-Lock Brake System’s fluid as they are separate. Air in the ABS fluid would not result in a spongy brake pedal feel. Although, apapada advice is sound: follow your car’s maintenance schedule for both the regular brakes and the ABS and have them serviced every two years. Both can be done DIY (www.danoland.com/nsxgarage) or by a dealer.

DanO

 

[apapada]

My bad. I was assuming they were feeding from the same brake fluid as everytime I have asked the dealer to flush the "system" he was performing what I thought one circuit only, instead it was both I understand now.
Thank you for clarifying this.