By back to basics on Friday, March 30, 2001 - 04:48 am: Edit

I've decided that I don't want ABS AT ALL. Personal reasons, I know all the advantages, etc, but don't want the technical hassle. My question: what is the easiest way to disable it? I have heard pulling the plug at the WABSCO block will do that. Does it affect braking in any way once off? I know there won't be ABS, but what about anything else on the braking system? Any input would be helpful. I am also going to disconnect or remove the sensors from the axle area also; any input on that?

By Milan on Friday, March 30, 2001 - 05:12 am: Edit

I'd just pull the plug. No need to pull the sensors. This way if you ever sell it or want somebody else (who is used to ABS) drive, you can just plug it back in and test if it still works.

If you really want to remove it, then I would remove the whole thing: module, pump and sensors and re-plumb the lines to go to the brakes directly from the combination/proportioning valve.

By back to basics on Friday, March 30, 2001 - 05:17 am: Edit

If I replumb, do I use the same master cylinder? I have heard that the UK and other earlier versions came without ABS. Do I need a non-abs master?

By Milan on Friday, March 30, 2001 - 02:27 pm: Edit

The master cylinder and the pressure reducing (combination) valve are the same on both ABS and non-ABS vehicles as far as I can tell (at least on a 96 NAS). You should keep these in place. You should only remove the ABS modulator, the sensors and the ECU.

You should be able to plumb the lines in the following manner. To the rear you'd have to either use a T and split the line from the combination valve to both rear lines or you could run a single line from the combination valve all the way to the rear axle and use a T there to split to both sides of the axle. The front does not need a T but what you have to do, is connect each line directly to the valve. Currently one of the ports is pluged on the ABS systems, so you just pull the plug and connect one side there and the other side next to it where the line went to the ABS modulator. Bleed the system....Done.

If this does not work, you may have to get a combination valve for a non-ABS system but I doubt it.

Please realize that I have not actually done this yet and I'm no mechanic/expert either. I've done a couple of conversions from drums to disks and brake systems interest me but that's all. Brakes are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle, so do take the necessary precautions and do the research.

If you need more info let me know.