Milano ABS/Accumulator

["eroe@domain.elided" <eroe@domain.elided>]

Mike,

Sorry to hear you are having problems with your ABS.  Couple of quick notes:

1.  The pump SHOULD run each time you press on the brakes.  Pump pressure is
the only pressure applied to the rear calipers.  The fronts also get
pressure from the pump to reduce the pedal effort required.

2.  Poorly adjusted rear calipers will cause more pump running since a
larger amount of fluid has to be used (moved) to actuate the rear brakes. 
Is your parking brake working OK?

3.  If you get warning lights, a diagnosis needs to be done.  A wheel speed
sensor can give occasional ABS lamp "lightings" (are your front wheel
bearings OK?).  The fluid tank has contacts in it to check fluid level also.
 It is a slow procedure, but you must determine the cause of the error.

Based on your short summary, I would check your pressure switch - the thing
that turns the pump on and off.  It has 5 contacts.  I can give you the pin
out if you need it.

I may be in the minority, but I like this system.  My previous Milano was a
non-ABS.  On the track (Portland International Raceway) the performance
improvement of the ABS system was very evident.  I could steer the car with
the brake pedal mashed to the floor.  Almost no pedal travel change even
though the brakes were VERY hot.  The non-ABS system would get spongy, tires
lock up, etc.  Same fluid in both systems.

Good luck with your problem

Erik Roe
AROO Newsletter Editor
'87 Milano, 110k miles, same water pump for 95k!

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