Gutting antilock braking system? Anyone done it?

[L5K]

So after driving around this winter I have decided that ABS is quite possibly the worst thing I have ever experienced... I was thinking of doing this before, but decided to wait and see how they worked before trying anything.I want to remove the ABS system from my 03 GT, but I have a few questions first. Pretty much all I think I would need to do is run new lines (not a problem done it before) from the master cylinder to the brakes, however I'm not sure if I would need to disable sensors, and use other methods to trick the car into just not using the ABS system. Also, I don't know for sure but I imagine it's possible that the box thing that all the brake lines go to for the ABS may also function as some sort of porpotioning valve to keep the ratio of pressure for front/back brakes correct. Has anyone ever done this? Are there other factors to deal with on the braking systems for 03?

[scherry2]

being a former mechanic that worked on ABS on new vehicles. i suggest trading the vehicle in if you don't like ABS instead of "removing it"under most winter driving conditions, unless you mash the brake pedal down all the time in a panic stop, you will not engage the ABS. if you do engage the ABS all the time and your not panic stopping all the time, i would be taking it to a mechanic to have them check it out.my $.02

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »being a former mechanic that worked on ABS on new vehicles. i suggest trading the vehicle in if you don't like ABS instead of "removing it"under most winter driving conditions, unless you mash the brake pedal down all the time in a panic stop, you will not engage the ABS. if you do engage the ABS all the time and your not panic stopping all the time, i would be taking it to a mechanic to have them check it out.my $.02X2 ^^My 07 has antilock and I do a LOT of driving in all conditions. I can count on one hand the number of times it activated in almost 3 years.If you don't know how to, take it to someone who can diagnose and repair it. It is obviously malfunctioning OR you are driving way too aggressively for the road conditions forcing it to operate a lot.Dave

[Whelan]

Based on the fact in your claim that you are driving around in the winter, I would assume you are mashing your brake and engaging yourself in icy, snowy, slippery conditions. The answer is simple. SLOW DOWN. Hitting the brake harder does not mean you will stop sooner with ABS. If you are sliding under braking and not slowing down enough, then you should look into giving the pedal a lighter more consistent push with some slow pumping action on your own. Not to mention downshifting to engine brake the car and if you have an automatic, then slip down to 2 or L or hit the O/D off button to downshift the engine.ABS systems are designed to not just go by the wheel slipping, but also by your pedal pressure. Slam the pedal down hard and it registers to panic brake and go into full ABS mode and you get the jolting feeling. If you are braking slowly and it happens it will be at a lesser pace and only occasionally jolt at you while slowing down. The whole point of ABS is to maintain a constant pressure on the pedal instead of letting up or pushing harder thinking you are going to magically come to a stop. If I am in snow and braking and my ABS kicks in, I will let up on the brake and apply less pressure or let off to slow down more on my own before reapplying. When you get to the point that ABS actually kicks in, your car is also telling you something. Your going to fast for the conditions (at least in normal winter driving, not panic stop me now mode). Even with my AWD I drive no more than 25-30 MAX in snowy conditions, and even slower when it's really coated and coming down. Your tires might also not be up to the task and not designated for winter driving (all season does not count) or they are worn down.Just my own thoughts.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »ABS systems are designed to not just go by the wheel slipping, but also by your pedal pressure. Slam the pedal down hard and it registers to panic brake and go into full ABS mode and you get the jolting feeling. If you are braking slowly and it happens it will be at a lesser pace and only occasionally jolt at you while slowing down. perhaps, but in my 03 Vibe, the ABS will kick on even with light pedal pressure. Makes an awful sound. But I wouldn't gut it, it has come in handy more times than it's gotten in the way

[keithvibe]

i wonder if it's possible to pull the fuse or cut pin 10 with out any side effects.

[L5K]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »perhaps, but in my 03 Vibe, the ABS will kick on even with light pedal pressure. Makes an awful sound. But I wouldn't gut it, it has come in handy more times than it's gotten in the wayThis. It kicks in ALL the time. Even with sand or gravel not just ice, but I didn't think it would be as bad as it is. The slightest pressure will set it off even coming out of the driveway. Every winter I've ever driven I have never had any problems until this with the Vibe's ABS. I live on a hill, two houses away from the bottom. I can pull out of the driveway, ease the clutch out to start rolling down the hill, and with slight pressure the ABS will vibrate me the entire two house lengths to the stop sign at the end of the block. I don't even get the car up to 5 mph. I'll have it looked at, but if this is how it's supposed to function it's coming out.

[djkeev]

So sorry for your problems....A list that may help you....Air in the system can cause ABS malfunction, Brake fluid bleeding and replacement is a lot more important than people think, just like oil changes are important, so it brake fluid. If you just push the old fluid back to install new pads a small piece of dirt can wedge in a valve.A faulty wheel speed sensor can cause the ABS to falsely activate.Dirt or rust on the sensor or tone wheel can cause problemsA faulty ABS control module can cause the ABS to falsely activate.A damaged tone wheel can cause the ABS to falsely activate.A loose wheel bearing can cause the ABS to falsely activate.A mismatched tire can cause the ABS to falsely activate.An open or short in the wiring can cause the ABS to falsely activate. Bad connections, broken wires, etc.Really you should spend a few $$'s and get the ABS system diagnosed with the proper scanner.Don't go hacking wires and bypassing a proven life saving device designed into your car.Dave

[hskater26]

i had this problem with my ford ranger 4x4. i figured it was mostly because it was a ford lol. i traded it in for the vibe in 05

[Cougar Vibe]

I'm not sure about the legal ramifications of it, not to mention your luck in selling or trading your Vibe in in the future, but I can guarantee that your insurance company will void any claim you ever have if you get into an accident after you modified/removed the ABS. You'd be putting yourself out there, especially in an at-fault accident w/injuries.I suggest you follow scherry2's advice: Trade it if you don't like it.

[star_deceiver]

What tires do you have?

[Wolfman213]

Quote, originally posted by hskater26 »i had this problem with my ford ranger 4x4. i figured it was mostly because it was a ford lol. i traded it in for the vibe in 05HAHAHA that's hilarious!!!! Never been a Ford fan so this just cracked me up!!

[CoryW]

I never said this but if you want to disable your abs just unplug the EBCM (electronic brake control module) be sure to seal water from getting in the connector though, and your ABS light will be on(not reccomended to do this but don't cut anything or modify anything theres always an easy way to do that kind of stuff)ABS saves lives