ABS Pump or Accumulator

**MitchW** · #1 (**permalink**) 05-24-2008, 10:29 AM

May has not been kind to my Alfa's or me. First there was the engine fire in my Spider Jr. and now I've got an intermittent hard pedal in my Verde. I went out to look for the ABS pump fuse (couldn't find it) but did find that the pump is running continuously and sounds a bit noisy. I'm guessing that the accumulator isn't holding pressure and has damaged the pump.

I've got all the parts for doing an ABSectomy (pedal box, new MC and brake lines) but don't have the time to do it myself. The ABS light has always been on and the PO never could diagnose it, so I wouldn't be losing much but I'll need to find a Denver mechanic willing and able to handle this job.

OTOH just changing the pump and accumulator would be much easier.

1. Is it just the accumulator/pump or is the MC probably also ready to go after 110k and 20 years?

2. Any idea on the labor cost/time for an ABSectomy?

Mitch
Denver, CO
69 Spider Jr.
88 Verde

nizam · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2008, 04:44 PM

Mitch, we just came back from a drive in the Verde ... it now has close to 263K miles. I changed the ABS pump and accumulator about 3 years ago with a GM part. I have a feeling this will last at least as long as the original pump (about 15-18 years, as long as you maintain it). Make sure you keep an eye on the accumulator. Once it loses charge and the pump runs all the time, you're going to shorten the life of the pump.

Here's another thread on this subject, with pics!

Milano ABS Pump Before & After Pics

nizam · #3 (**permalink**) 05-24-2008, 04:47 PM

Oh forgot to add; the ABS Master Cylinder usually lasts a while longer than the pump. I'm still on the original one on both my Verdes.

jontg428 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-24-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nizam

Oh forgot to add; the ABS Master Cylinder usually lasts a while longer than the pump. I'm still on the original one on both my Verdes.

**MitchW** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-25-2008, 03:45 PM

Unfortunately I've neglected fluid changes on the brake system for the past 3 years assuming that I'd be removing the ABS sooner than later. Now its going to cost me. I'll call around some of the local shops Monday to see if they're willing to take this on and how much it will cost.