Convert or disable ABS?

[DeeBee]

Personally I am not a fan of ABS. I know all the benefits about just being able dump on the brake pedal and no lock-ups, steering control yada yada yada. I've yet to get into a situation where ABS was going to make a difference between hitting and not hitting something and that doesn't mean it won't happen. Regardless, I'd just as soon not have ABS since none of my other vehicles have it so driving one differently isn't worth the benefits I might get.

So the question is can the ABS system just be disabled or can the brake system be converted to a non-abs system. If yes, what is involved and is it something that is reasonable in cost to do (don't want to spend more on the brakes than I did on the car). If yes, is there a source for conversion parts?

TIA.

[Guest EDBS0]

On my first 89 Reatta the Yellow anti-lock light worked properly and I always assumed that the anti-lock brakes did to. That is until I tested it with hard braking from 45mph and I locked up the front right and flat spotted it really quickly. I also left a very large blue smoke cloud behind me and a very black strip of rubber on the road. I suspect that lots of members here think that they have antilock brakes but don't!

You just might want to test yours on gravel or a wet road.

My second 89 had the yellow anti-lock light on always. It never went off from the day I purchased it to 4 or 5 years and over 60,000 miles later when I sold it. It was still on. Stubborn little bulb just wouldn't burn out, so when you see that the yellow brake bulb does not light when the ignition is turned on, some THIEF probably took it out or broke it to hide the fact that the anti-lock is broken.

I don't know for certain but to disable you may be able to take the cover off of the ADSL by the emergency brake release. Or unplug the brake computer in the trunk. or disable any of the brake sensors. here in Canada a Reatta will stop in deep snow in 1/2 the distance without anti-lock brakes.

padgett will probably have a better answer on how tp disable.

[Shelby]

Fix the Teve's Systems if you have a problem with it.

If you put a system from a similar GM car you will be very sorry you did.

The teves system works pretty well.

[Guest F14CRAZY]

I feel the same as Shelby. It's not a bad system.

[manikmekanik]

I agree, Shelby!

Without proper function of the TEVES anti-lock system, you will NOT have any rear brakes.

If your engine only provided half the required power, would you disable 3 cyliders, or drive with only 2 gears, if the TCC did'nt work?

Of course not!

To achive the supreme braking capability of your Teves braking system, it must be in proper working condition, no less.

Braking IS more important than horsepower, appearance, or a new thumpin' stereo.

[Don B.]

My '19 GMC Syclone had the ASC removed and brake lines repiped.

No lites on the dash. So it can be done.

A few years ago someone on this forum did a full conversion

to a different system and said it worked fine.

Sorry I don't remember who.

You still maybe able to find the posting if you do a search.

[DeeBee]

For me personally, it doesn't matter how good the ABS is or is not, I don't like ABS. As I stated, none of my other cars have ABS and humans being creatures of habit, will do what they will in most familier situations.

If it's not possible, no big deal as I have my ABS working fine now. Like a manual transmission, ABS is usually a preference. One can compare the ability to have the transmission control gear selection and thus accelleration as opposed to the driver manually selecting the transmission speed and available power. Both are equal safety factors. I've never had difficulty bringing the tires to a howl during a hard stop.

Thanks for the replies.

[Guest DTerry]

Not so, Randy. ABS malfunction only disables ABS. Normal braking front and rear, just no anti-lock. At least that's what the book says. But since you mentioned it, my son locked up the wheels last week to avoid a herd of deer, and flat-spotted the front tires. I had to replace 4 tires. I suspect he was doing 123 and a half miles per hour. I assumed the front were flat spotted because of weight transfer.

My anti-skid hasn't worked for probably three years. No problem...for me, at least, but that's one reason for repairing it. Save tires.

[Rawja]

There was a user here who installed a non-ABS maseter from a Riviera, though as I recall it required running new brake lines to the rear of the car.

If you have an '88 or '89, I <span style="font-style: italic">think</span> you might be able to turn off the ABS function by changing the optional equipment value via diagnostic mode.

As I recall from when I added a compass, ABS was a value that could be deleted from the sum.

It may be necessary to unplug the ABS computer as well.

I don't think anyone has attempted this, so proceed at your own risk.

[Barney Eaton]

If you want to disable the ABS, disconnect the relay, or unplug the connector at the ABS valve body.

Converting a Reatta with Teves ABS is a poor decision. You will spend more in time and money for the conversion than it cost to properly maintain the original system.

The key here is maintanence. In the U.S. the auto manufacturers seldom recommend brake fluid flushes, but the same Teves system in Europe does.

Moisture is absorbed by the DOT 3 fluid and that corrodes and rust parts inside the system. This rust and corrosion floats with the fluid and can damage seals and "O" rings and cause expensive problems.

DOT 3 fluid will absorb 1-2% moisture (depending on where you live) per year.

The books say that 3% moisture lowers the fluid boiling point 100 degrees.

This may not be a problem for flat-landers, but if you live in a hilly or mountainous area, you can easilly boil the fluid at the caliper. Most drivers think this is just brake fade, but the problem can be solved with fresh fluid.

Also in the Teves system, the Boost part of the system is by hydraulic pressure, not vacumn. The hydraulic pump does not like dirty fluid. Any farmer or heavy equipment owner/operator will tell you that you must keep the fluid clean if you want the components to last. On the Teves system, both the brakes and booster use the same fluid, so flushing the system cleans both systems.

[raroot]

Regarding your looking for an 89 Reatta, would you consider a red with tan interior, factory sunroof and 16way power seat? Look it up on the autotrader.com web site. enter the information and zip code 29048. Thats my baby...