[onesmartidiot]

On my 89, It needs all sorts of brake work done. The fluid is so contaminated and black, that it expanded all my seals and hoses (which made my rotors look nice and red on the way home)

Im not sure whats going on, it looks like the brake line that goes to the rear is "dangling" in the breeze by the master cyl. So Im guessing thats how moisture got in? I would think if a port wasnt used, one would have no brakes...

Anyway, I'm going to put all new brakes under this thing. I noticed a computer hanging to the right of the master cyl, is this abs? Does this explain why the rear brakes arent hooked up? I can live with normal brakes. Power brakes of course but no abs, never needed it, never will. Im looking to put new rubber hoses, pads, and rotors on the front. I drug the pass front wheel 2 miles to get home ( I wasnt about to call a tow truck at 1am) so im sure the rotors are nice and warped. The computer is still plugged in it looks like, I of course have a 350, so im not sure whats still working and whats not.

-Blain

 

[astro355]

Hello,
I have been driving my '89 for about a year and a half without that pretty black box. You don't need it. The van will stop just fine without it.

And moisture in the brake system is actually a normal occurance. Brake fluid is made to absorb water. Between heat and water, that's why brake fluid needs to be changed on a regular basis. Once brake fluid gets old, it can't absorb as much water (or any at all) and that's when other problems happen.

 

[onesmartidiot]

So, I can unplug the pretty black box, and hook everything together as if abs never existed?

That would be sweet, one less thing to go wrong right?

Now all I need to do is figure out how to get these locking lugs off without ruining my tools.... :/

 

[astro355]

Yep, pretend it never existed.

With locking nuts, I just beat on some 1/2" impact sockets (that have a warranty) and take them off. I could never justify spending $50 on the sockets that are made for that knowing they would be garbage after 3 or 4 uses.

 

[Big_kid]

Impact sockets, or a chisel ,or a die grinder, depending on your wheels.

Good luck!

 

[raycer]

Yeap, black box=100 bucks. I also drive an 89.
My dash brake light kept blinking till one day I changed the black box.
Just for piece of mind and because I tow 95% of the time the van is driven.
But you should be ok without it. Just be aware.

 

[astro355]

Really, I have been driving my van for a year and a half with no problems. I still have the 'puter sitting on a bin in my garage. I have learned the hard way that even though you take a part off your vehicle, you should still keep it since you may need it down the road.

 

[Gary]

Be asured that in most states yearly inspection all O.E.M. systems MUST be in place.Yepper the A.B.S. systems suck on these vans.The better case is to retain the system and unplug the fuse for it.It will act like normal brakes once the fuse is removed.One other thing to think about guys.If you ever have a crash(I hope that never happens to anyone),but be very sure you put back the fuse before they cart you off so your insurance will cover any damages. :think:

 

[onesmartidiot]

okay, I will tackle the brakes this week. ABS is coming off (but ill keep it of course)

They dont do inspections in my county (i think they do in northern ohio) but i should be fine.

ill let you guys know how it goes. PS, is there one or two brake lines going to the back?

 

[astro355]

There is just one line going to the back. If you get some spare time, you may want to check the condition of the line going over the fuel tank and the rubber hose that connects to the rear end.

I know when they do inspections on OBD II stuff, the scan tool will tell them what they need to know but I don't really think they would be able to tell the difference with OBD I stuff. :shrug:

 

[Big_kid]

do i have abs?

I used to have 6 pack abs when I was younger. As I got older, I got thirstier. I now have half keg abs.
:cheers: