Help ABS Leaking

[bill]

Hadn't driven my 1991 in a couple of weeks. When I backed it out of the garage there was a puddle of brake fluid from the ABS system on the floor. Drip point seems to be the small pressure ball (about the size of an orange) which isn't surprising since it is the lowest component. I haven't located the source of the leak yet due to the cramp location and the amount of fluid. The reservoir is still at max. I only hear the ABS pump cycling immediately following start up, and not every time. Car is driven approximately once per week and has less than 40k miles. Any one else have experience with a ABS leak? If so what was the source, fix, cost, etc.?
Thanks for the help,
bill

 

[Nsxotic]

Most likely, one or more of the solenoids (there ae 4) are stuck from underuse. This commonly happens to cars that rarely engage the ABS system. When this happens, fluid backs up and overflows from the reservoir. This is where your leak is coming from. If this is not your problem, and you need an ABS assembly; I have one with only 15k mi of use. They are $2,500 from the dealer. You can buy mine cheap. It also has a solenoid that is stuck. Not hard to free it up.

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Todd Arnold
Pls. visit my newly redone NSX site w/ lots of info and pics. Brand new classifieds and Message board. @
http://www.geocities.com/nsxcessive/index.html

[This message has been edited by Nsxotic (edited 25 October 2000).]

 

[rquintero]

Hi Todd,

>> This commonly happens to cars that rarely engage the ABS system

Am I missing something? I'd think that most folks rarely, if ever, trigger ABS.

Unless of course they cruise at 5,000 rpm...

 

[bill]

Todd,
Thanks for the tip. This could be the case since there was some fluid on top of the resevoir. However the resevoir currently sits at the MAX line and not at the brim. Assuming your tip is correct, any advice on how to determine which solenoid or how to get it unstuck? I assume that tapping with light tool might work? Then take the car out for several hard braking stops. I also assume that the car is relatively save to drive on dry roads since the leak is isolated to the ABS. I have read several tips in FAQs on how to reseat leaking valves. Based on your comments and the FAQs inputs, it would seem that one should be 'exercising' the ABS somewhat frequently.
Thanks Again,
Bill

 

[Nsxotic]

Hey Ralph, hey Bill,
It is true that you should 'exercise' the system every once in a while. It's the time(years) that will eventually get them stuck. You should exercise the system by going in a wet parking lot and jumpin' on 'em. As far as seeing a full reservoir, you likely will, since fluid will only pump out when you engage the brakes hard. By the way, the brakes are safe on dry roads.... the ABS system is simply a backup for extreme conditions. But, if you are like me, you will want to fix it because EVERYTHING must work in an NSX!!!!!! Otherwise, it's just a car.

To free up the solenoids,,,, I know that a mechanic will try using tools with the assembly off the car. You supposedly can also do it, if it is only mildly stuck, by trying to engage them in dry conditions High speed + stand on 'em. My mechanic says that you'll have a better chance by doing it in gravel though. Yikes, rocks.....I don't like the sound of that..... Let me know how you do. My mechanic said he could free mine up but I opted for new considering I have an Acura store and could get it at cost. I could go this way for you too if you'd like.... it's 2,500 to 2,900 new retail....WOW!!! I could save you a chunk.


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Todd Arnold
Pls. visit my newly redone NSX site w/ lots of info and pics. Brand new classifieds and Message board. @
http://www.geocities.com/nsxcessive/index.html

 

[bill]

Todd,
I will let you know what happens. My comment about the fluid level was that the fluid is not to the rim of resevoir, it is at the MAX indicator line which is well below the rim. Perhaps the level subsided after sitting?

The leak occurred after a very spirited canyon drive. Is it possible for the brake fluid to 'slosh' out of the resevoir with the cap in place? Seems very unlikely!

Also, I believe I should flush the area immediately. Doesn't brake fluid eat paint? I haven't noticed peeling yet and it has been sitting 2 weeks. What solvent is recomended to neutralize brake fluid?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[Nsxotic]

Not likely that it 'sloshed' around and spilled..... just use some Windex on the painted areas that got fluid on them... then hit it with some Meguires quick detailer or something like that... I wouldn't worry too much about that..... good luck.

------------------
Todd Arnold
Pls. visit my newly redone NSX site w/ lots of info and pics. Brand new classifieds and Message board. @
http://www.geocities.com/nsxcessive/index.html

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Bill,

I have had this problem. As a few people mentioned you need to use the system to free it up. Go to a dirt area (I avoid the gravel for obvious reasons), Go about 10-20 mph and stand on the brakes. You want to feel the ABS kick the pedal back at you, kind of a vibration. 3-4 times should insure things are all freed up. This has worked for me, and it is FREE!! I also recommend you do a fluid flush on the system ASAP, then repeat the process. My ABS got really weird over the winter and this resolved it.

Go to:http://www.danoland.com/nsxgarage/nsxgarage.html for as detailed procedure on how to flush the ABS. The is Dan O's site and his procedure is great.

HTH,

LarryB

 

[Lee]

Interesting that this post is still up, just took delivery of my 92 last night, drove it home (6hrs) and upon arriving hit some bumpy surfaces in which the ABS kicked in and I have the same problem, fluid running over the reseroir and the pump is cycling. Does the pump need more fluid to stop all the cycling until I can free the piston, or is that something that will not resolve until the piston has been freed?

 

[Nsxotic]

Bill,
Did you get it fixed????? Do you want mine or for me to set up a new one for you? Just checking in.


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Todd Arnold
http://www.geocities.com/nsxcessive/index.html

 

[bill]

THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR HELP!! THIS SITE SAVED ME TIME AND $! I believe the system is now working.

This weekend I exercised that ABS in a parking lot that had some oil spots (better than gravel or dirt!). I activated the ABS 10 times to ensure that everything was working okay. Verified that fluid was being sucked out of the resevoir. Drove the car home and parked it. Resevoir was now full, and no leaks.

Just a note, I have never seen the ABS error light illuminate except during start-up, so apparently the stuck/leaking solenoid/valve is not detected by the system?

I am interested in knowing details(electrical, mechanical, fluid, etc.) of how the ABS actually works if anyone knows where this info can be found I would appreciate it. The FAQ of this site does not provide detail.

Thanks Again,
bill

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Bill,

My ABS warning light never came on either. The info you want is in the service manual. If you want me to try to fax you the section out of the manual private me.

LarryB

 

[bill]

Larry,
Thanks for the help and offer. I think I will purchase the service manual since I will have more future questions about the car. My understanding is the 1992 manual works for the 1991 model as well.
Thanks,
bill