lorenzep

Symptoms: Brake pedal getting progressively softer over a short period of time (1 day) and actually went to the floor before briefly returning to normal. Thought I was just low on fluid because the light came on. Now I think it is the ABS pump. Passenger side, just behind the headlight has 4 or so brake line connectors coming out of the top. The top is connected to the bottom with 4 cylinders, one at each corner and each about 1.5" diameter. When the brake pedal is pressed, fluid comes out of the center cavity surrounded by these cylinders.

Is this the ABS pump?

Is it all one piece? It looks like it comes apart because there are allen head bolts that go through the top, are visible through the center portion and appear to be screwed in to the bottom.

It also looks like if you remove the allen heads and a mounting bolt, the whole thing will come out.

How much is this part and can I do it myself?

Thanks alot,
Peter

keener

This is the ABS actuator assembly and you have blown one of the gaskets. Usually a result of the car sitting for a year or two and the gasket drying out. This part is $1400 new and most salvage yards want $300 to $400. My suggestion is to shop around at the local yards to get the best price. Typically, a pull your own yard will give the best price. I picked mine up for $21 before taxes. Nissan does not recommend taking the unit apart to replace parts and this is why I am telling you to get a different assembly. Just make sure the next one you get is dry and not already leaking. I know of two at a nearby yard, but I am not sure on price. Let me know if you need anything else. Best of luck......this is a DIYS job.

lorenzep

Thanks. $1400 is steep. $300-$400 sounds better (relatively), but if the part tends fail from inactivity I will look closely at any used part.

Is there any special procedure to install this thing? Like filling it with fluid before attaching the lines or anything like that?

Will you tell me where you got the $21 deal? Are you near Washington, D.C.?

Peter

keener

To remove this part, disconnect the ground from the battery. then disconnect the ABS assembly electronics located on the actuator assembly. then disconnect the top compression fittings. There is no way to fill the unit before installation, therefore, have atleast 32oz of brake fluid handy. I suggest you reomve the ABS assembly with the mounting plate (on the bottom) still connected. Do the same at the salvage yard. The $hit is tight so prepare to cut your hands. Put the new unit in and bleed the brakes.

I live in St. Paul, MN. Look around and if you can't find one for a reasonable price I'll call the yards around here. A lot of times the pull it yourself yards do not keep track of parts, therefore, you need to go down there and search on your own.

keener

This part is universal for all maxima's '89 thru '94.