Stripping ABS; questions to those who have already completed this job...

[Tor-King]

Hi everyone!

I am in the process of stripping out the ABS on my '93 as I am replacing all old rubber hoses with stainless steel lines and going with DOT 5 all around.  I will also be removing all the steel lines and pump and disconnecting the harness (so I do not get the idiot light blinking).  Here are the barrage of questions:

1.  Is there a complete stand alone wiring harness that can be removed or is it splice into other circuits?
2.  Can I remove all the electrical "stuff" out of the tail section?
2.  Can the wheel sensors be removed or should they remain?
3.  Is there anything else I am forgetting or needing to know in advance to do this job?


Thanks again,
Dean

[JMR]

 I'd rebuild the master cylinders and replace the caliper piston seals if you are switching to DOT5. Is there a particular reason why you are going to 5 (other than it doesn't harm paint)?

[Tor-King]

Hi JMR.
I have rebuilt both master cylinders.  I am wanting to go DOT 5 as I am paranoid about the clutch slave cylinder leaking, although I have ordered a new one from Randy.  Because I went with DOT 5 in the clutch, I thought I would do it for all --easier for fluid changes in the future.  Would cleaning out the calipers with a good contact cleaner be enough to get rid of the DOT 3/4?

Thanks for your input,
Dean

[JMR]

Hi JMR.
I have rebuilt both master cylinders.  I am wanting to go DOT 5 as I am paranoid about the clutch slave cylinder leaking, although I have ordered a new one from Randy.  Because I went with DOT 5 in the clutch, I thought I would do it for all --easier for fluid changes in the future.  Would cleaning out the calipers with a good contact cleaner be enough to get rid of the DOT 3/4?

Thanks for your input,
Dean

I'd replace the piston seals. I had a problem with the seals swelling and the pistons not retracting properly. The thing I don't like about the 5 as the lever never felt as firm as with 4 (or Castrol LMA). I like the LMA and it mixes with 3,4 or 5.1. Here is a short link that is pretty good IMO http://www.afcoracing.com/tech_pages/fluid.shtml

[nurse]

1 - wring harness that goes to the computer could be stripped out if you have the patents but it is at one point then taped up with other cabling for lights, indicators and relays etc.  I would remove the computer and leave the harness.  Just tuck it to one side or tie it up.  The cradle holding the computer also holds inductor relay and other gubbins so will be left insitu.  It will also leave you with a bit more space and a handy rubber strap under which you can put sandwiches, or tools or small book?!?

2 - can if you wish but I wouldn't bother it's a lot of hassle and won't save a great deal in weight if that's your thing?

3 - wheel sensors can go but you will need to remove associated cables/leads and make safe!

4 - new calipers on the front (blue, gold,grey spots etc). If you are taking that lot off you may as well do it while you are there, otherwise in 3 months I promise you will be kicking yourself for not doing it!

[JMR]

Hi JMR.
I have rebuilt both master cylinders.  I am wanting to go DOT 5 as I am paranoid about the clutch slave cylinder leaking, although I have ordered a new one from Randy.  Because I went with DOT 5 in the clutch, I thought I would do it for all --easier for fluid changes in the future.  Would cleaning out the calipers with a good contact cleaner be enough to get rid of the DOT 3/4?

Thanks for your input,
Dean

I'd replace the piston seals. I had a problem with the seals swelling and the pistons not retracting properly. The thing I don't like about the 5 as the lever never felt as firm as with 4 (or Castrol LMA). I like the LMA and it mixes (after removing the old fluid) with 3,4 or 5.1. Here is a short link that is pretty good IMO http://www.afcoracing.com/tech_pages/fluid.shtml