[TheoR]

So, looks like it's time that I have to rebuild the ABS pump. I'm not certain, but since replacing the ABS relay didn't cause the pump to start up, I think it's safe to say that the motor is probably dead (I've heard a grinding noise come from the engine compartment couple days ago as well, which I couldn't figure out what caused it-until now).

I plan to rebuild the abs pump motor, but dread the thought of draining the brake fluid. Is it feasible to simply remove the motor portion of the pump while the remainder remains intact? I prefer to do it this way, as I'm still not sure if the pump is the main culprit just yet, and dread the thought of draining/bleeding the brake fluid multiple times.

As for the method of rebuilding the abs pump, I plan on getting replacement armature from Invasion Auto Parts, which happens to be located very close to where I live. Anybody have experience w/ their parts?

BTW, I've already read Jos Gueze's excellent reference to a ABS pump rebuild page, which has given me head start already. Thanks Jos.

 

[lrscott]

It is possible to just remove the engine with the rest intact. However, when you go to put it back together you will need to align up it up with this little plate inside the can move around. Its better just to remove the whole thing. I'm posting a tutorial here shortly on how to do it. I've got most of it ready, but I just haven't the time lately.

 

[TheoR]

Thanks for the feedback.

I think I'll just go ahead and get my hands dirty and do it the right way by getting the hydraulic side out as well.

Hope to see your tutorial soon. Maybe you can post a work in progress?, as I'm going to tackle the project this week.

BTW, I think RRs recommend non-synthetic brake fluid? I was going to buy Castrol non-synthetic type, but only could find synthetic types. What did you replace your fluids with?

Thanks

 

[TheoR]

Well, I decided to go ahead and start the repair.

I've gone ahead and took out as much brake fluid as possible from the reservoir w/ a turkey baster. The two hydraulic lines came off w/ a bit of a struggle (the metal clamp on the flexible hose was a PITA to get it off). Banjo bolt came off easily, once I removed the 3 bolts holding down the pump assembly, thus allowing me to move the pump assembly around to give me enough clearance to put a ratchet wrench over the bolt.

Anyhow, I'm happy to report that the bearing turns smoothly. However, the motor armature is completely seized.

Looking at the way the motor assy is put together(Not exactly designed for dis-assembly-AT ALL), I was too lazy to take it apart myself...So, I took it to a local electric motor rebuilder. Hope they don't give up, either! Anyhow, if the local shop gives, up, Invasion Auto in N. Hollywood sells just the motor section for $250, so I'll go to them as a last resort.

Regards,

 

[TheoR]

Re: Dead ABS pump rebuild question - NOW FIXED

Well, this post is starting to look like my personal blog entry, but I figure some of my input might help somebody in the future, so I'll update my situation.

The local electric rebuild shop, after looking at it, or holding on to it for 2 hours decided to give up. Their comment was that the casing wasn't bolted together, but instead crimped together, thus making it impractical to attempt the rebuild.

So, I resorted to my backup shop, Invasion Auto Parts, which was a known entity thanks to this forum that works w/ abs pump rebuilds.

I dropped off the abs pump on Wednesday at 4pm, and got it back the following day at 10am. Looking at the job they have done, looks like they have completely replaced the armature and the brush housing. The motor armature didn't even budge before taking it to the rebuild shop, but after the rebuild was done, armature was turning quite nicely.

Anyhow, the abs motor rebuild was $250, which I thought was reasonable, considering the job they've done.

I'm happy to report that my Rover is running very well now. Considering the brake pedal feel now, which is great, I suspect that the pump died gradually, slowly pumping less and less until it completely seized.

A caveat is, if you do the abs pump rebuild, take the time to do a thorough brake bleed. My system sucked in a lot of air somehow, and took quite a few tries to get clean bubble free fluids, especially for the rear. The RRs multiple step bleeding procedure is not fun, but worth it considering the importance of the brake system. Overall, abs pump unit disassembly/assembly time is 1-2 hours. Bleed 3-4 hours. Cost: pump rebuild $250, new relay $62.