Hey guys.....I was hoping you could help either dispel or confirm a rumor I heard regarding servicing ABS brakes:

When you push in the piston using a C-clamp, does that in any way knock the ABS control module out of calibration? I've heard that it can screw it up when you do it that way, though I don't know how else you would get that piston in otherwise. Like what do the 'professionals' do on ABS cars? I've seen this method performed in the how-tos, but I just wanted to make sure.....

Thanks

 

I do it all the time and have yet to have a problem with it.

 

remember the back brakes have to twist and push in at the same time

 

Just did my brakes yesterday, and I've got the abs. Used a c-clamp and no problems with the sensor.

I've never heard of that problem before.

 

same here no issues

 

Never heard of this happening, I did my 'abs' brakes twice, no problem.

 

to the no probs yet category...

 

Make sure you twist cause otherwise you'll bust your piston, I did that once when I had just gotten the car. Other than that, I've had no problems.

 

the ABS sensor is activated and located by the drive axles in the front. Using a C clamp does nothing to that. You should clean off the magnets when you do a brake job. In the back the ABS unit and sender is on the hub itself. The calipers have nothing to do with the ABS electrics.

 

Thanks guys, you're always a big help!

The reason I thought there was some truth to the rumor was that the ABS system, irrespective of the electronics, is in some way directly connected to the pumping of the brake fluid...so, push the piston in, and you obviously displace fluid, the amount and position of which I thought is monitored by the ABS.

Also, regarding the rear calipers, how does twisting and pushing the piston work if you're using a C-clamp? I mean, once you have the C-clamp on the piston, I imagine it would be very hard to twist it (with your hands?) How do you guys do it?

 

you don't use c clamp on rear. The piston has to be turned to retract if i'm not mistaken i think its clockwise.

 

Yes, you have to turn the rear piston clockwise to retract it. This can be done using needle nose pliers (which I did with ease, others have problems with this method) or there is a special tool available at auto parts stores that is designed to turn the piston to retract it.

 

calibration? i doubt it, just make sure you go the cap on the brake fluid off

 

havnt seen you in a while 2damax, what are you too good for us now that u got your cadillac. Did you blow it up yet while replacing the speakers :]. haha j/k how u been