How often do / should you cycle the ABS?

It was wet when I took the car out for a spin, so I used the ABS quite a few times as it does not feel right in the dry...

Id this something we should be doing more frequently?

 

Not necessary. Every time you start and drive off the ABS ECM cycles the pump briefly once you hit about 5 mph as part of a routine self test.

 

Really - I though that the fluid can sit in the system and needs to be cycled..
Good to know, so this is not something to worry about.

 

Duke,

The only part of the systems that doesn't really get used unless you invoke a wheel-locking abs scenario, is the opening / closing of the solenoid abs valves in the abs valve chest.

Should those be regularly exercised? I'm not sure. I guess it's a potential trade-off between ensuring the valves open and close correctly, compared to the risk of minute sediment particles being disturbed and getting under the seat of the valves. This is a phenomenon that only started to come to light about 8 years ago, along with deterioration of the ribbon circuit controlling the valves

I think the best thing you can do the system is to:
- always ensure it has clean fluid. You must avoid water contamination in the valve block
- understand exactly how to bleed the low pressure and wheel circuits properly. Don't just treat it as a normal system when it comes to bleeding the brakes
- NEVER push fluid back to the valve block when changing pads / discs etc. Always open the bleed nipples first

If you do all of that, I don't think you need to worry unduly about exercising the valves. With a bit of normal spirited driving, you'll probably be initiating the abs now and again anyway!

Cheers

Paul

 

Yes - I must get my head around how to properly bleed the low pressure side.
I have not done this yet....

 

Hi Duke

How to Bleed The Low Pressure Side of the Teves Mk1V ABS Braking System

This is nowhere near as Scary as I made it sound when I wrote it up, as that was one of my very first Posts from many Years ago, for which I thank my 'Partner in Grime' Paul (ptjs) who showed me what to do, even though I was shaking like a Jelly

Having said that, you still need to be Careful and have a Sensible approach to doing this Job

Buy Hey! you've just rebuilt the Cage on an XJS V12 and so for you this is going to be a bit of 'A Walk In The Park'

How to Bleed The Low Pressure Side Of The Teves MK1V Braking System

 

I had my ABS unit cleaned professionally recently. It felt like the radiator issue eventually you just have to eat the cost there was 30 yrs of varnish? Built up...caused NO fluid pressure to rear and directed all braking power to the front.

this is how I chewed up calipers year after year like clockwork, also made drifting accidentally too easy...

If your ABS looks as untouched as an eygptian tomb it may be worth the effort to clean it. and I'm sure OrangeBlossom can help you avoid any costly/explosive outcomes during disassembly.