Hello All, I have read virtually all the ABS threads on the forum for the XJS, from trying to replace it with something else, to bleeding it, to trying to make it work correctly. I'm completely overwhelmed, by the thought of the nightmare swapping all the ABS / brake components off my parts car, to the Jacobra. So I was looking at the brake system, today and began wondering if it would function as reqular brakes if it was unhooked??? All American cars, and I thought all US spec cars, no matter the make, have to retain "normal" non ABS brake function, should the abs encounter a failure somewhere in the system. So I guess I'm asking will it still function as normal brakes? If I simply unhook it? and kill the idiot light? Any thoughts or knowledge will be appreciated. Or 'am I just nuts???

Jack

 

Jack
It is easy and better to convert the brake system back to vacuum servo boost as the earlier non ABS models all were. The brake pipes and calipers are the same, you just need to servo booster,, maybe the aluminium casting the pedal attaches to, the vacuum pipework and a bit if brake pipe work to connect it to the existing pipes to the calipers. All in breakers yards or on ebay.

 

Jack,

There seem to be 2 different issues here.

1. How to avoid all the potential problems of the Teves systems

2. Can you disable the ABS side of the Teves system.

The answer to 2. is Yes, you can unplug the electrics side of the abs, remove the bulb warning lights and you'll have a Teves system with no ABS.

BUT, you'll only really mitigate one of the problems in Q 1. One of the known issues is tiny particles of sediment jamming one of the abs valves when it tries to close. You could potentially mitigate that issue by disconnecting the abs ecu and preventing the circuitry controlling the wheel circuit valves.

However, you wouldn't preclude any of the other potential issues of pump, accumulator, pressure valve, air locks, actuator failure etc.

So, personally, I wouldn't do it. If you're going to retain all the Teves system, I would leave the abs electronics intact and take my chances on a well-maintained system.

If you want to completely mitigate any chances of failure, you need to remove everything and install a traditional master cylinder and servo system as Greg as suggested.

Cheers

Paul