Hi.
I have a 1989 Ford Escort with a crude flywheel/valve/mechanically operated ABS on the front wheels. It has passed the MOT before, however i'm not sure if they tested the ABS :-S. Basically the front-left ABS unlocks the brakes when the wheel locks. That's it!!! it then doesn't allow braking to that wheel for ~30 mins until some valve in the modulator becomes unstuck.
This I regard as quite a dangerous persuit, particularly if it happens in wet weather. I've had several occasions when i've tried to brake and all I've got is one front wheel (which is ABSing like mad 'cos it's the only one that's braking).
The ABS modulators are belt operated from the driveshaft, there is a modulator on each side of the gearbox. My question is, if I cut these belts off (ie disable ABS), will I get MOT failure?
I don't want to leave it as it is, way too dangerous. Then again I don't want to splash out on a new modulator or getting the old one fixed (new one £400). Moreover, I don't want to end up having to splash out on a new Modulator at the MOT, complete with all the work taking the suspension apart and driveshafts to put new belts on!
What should I do? MOT due July.
Cheers
M Farrow
|
|
As far as I can determine and I stand to be corrected, checking the correct functioning of the abs is not part of the MOT. The means to check this on the MOT isn't available. Yours mike
|
|
My understanding is that it is the abs light on the dash which is tested, rather than the actual functioning, which I agree is not part of the MOT. The tester will check whether the warning light comes on with the ignition, and that it extinguishes when the engine is started.
|
On the other hand, the tester probably won't even look for a light, I didn't even know that 1989 Escorts except the very sporty ones perhaps, could have ABS. And that's saying something, 'cos I read every review I could find on them when I was buying my first car...
Blue
|
|
|
I do hope you're right chaps - my Scorpio brakes perfectly normally, until it gets to about 5mph, then the abs cuts in (most times).
I was anticipating having to dump it next year when MOT time comes round.
|
|
You won't have to dump it - as long as the ABS light behaves when you start the engine that's all they check for. I've taken a colleague's Scorpio 2.3 Ultima (P reg) for a couple of tests, it's been doing exactly the same as yours for about 2 years now. It passes every time, the brake rollers at the test station for some reason don't seem to trigger the fault. It only happens when you're driving, and it doesn't seem to affect the stopping distance of the car.
|
My only concern would be if you have a serious accident causing serious injury or death and your car is checked over thoroughly by the police or your insurance company, you may be in hot water if it was found that the braking system was not working as intended by the manufacturer. You may find your insurance void and be personally liable to be sued for damages. So I'd get it fixed for piece of mind, even if it did cost £400.
You are all right in saying that the MOT only checks the function of the ABS warning light, but the law states that if ABS is fitted, it MUST work. It must not be disconnected. Daft I know, especially where it was originally an option, but you try telling that to a lawyer!
|
It'll fail the test unless the tester is on an off-day.....
Christams Eve at 11am is a good time I guess.........the pub beckons!
MG-Rover Questions? forums.mg-rover.org/
|
|
Remove the whole ABS and fit a standard servo.
|
That's a major undertaking - as the pipework is often very different.
ABS Equipped cars still have a conventional brake servo
MG-Rover Questions? forums.mg-rover.org/
|
|
|
|
|
