Hydraulic unit (ABS) - removal and refitting

Note: A new gasket must be used between the hydraulic unit and the bulkhead on refitting.

Caution: Refer to the
precautions in Section 1.

Removal
1 Disconnect the battery negative lead.

2 Depressurise the hydraulic system by pumping the brake pedal at least 20 times, or until it becomes hard.

3 Disconnect the six multi-plugs from the hydraulic unit. They are all different, so there is no need to label them. When a plug has a spring clip retainer, lift the clip before pulling out the plug. To release the pump plug, pull back the rubber boot and the plug sleeve (see illustrations).

16.3a Disconnecting the low fluid level switch multi-plug . . .
16.3a Disconnecting the low fluid level switch multi-plug . . .

16.3b . . . the main valve multi-plug . . .
16.3b . . . the main valve multi-plug . . .

16.3c . . . and the pressure switch multi-plug - ABS
16.3c . . . and the pressure switch multi-plug - ABS

4 Unbolt the earth strap from the unit.

5 Prepare a suitable container to catch spilt fluid. Mark the hydraulic pipes so that they can be refitted in their original positions, then disconnect them from the base of the unit.

Plug the open ends of the pipes and hydraulic unit to prevent fluid leakage and dirt ingress. If fluid is accidentally spilt on the paintwork, wash off immediately with cold water.

6 Working inside the vehicle, remove the lower facia panel from the driver’s side.

7 Remove the clip from the hydraulic unit pushrod on the brake pedal.

8 With an assistant supporting the hydraulic unit, unscrew the four nuts which secure the unit to the bulkhead (see illustration).

16.8 Hydraulic unit-to-bulkhead securing nuts (arrowed) - ABS
16.8 Hydraulic unit-to-bulkhead securing nuts (arrowed) - ABS

Withdraw the unit from under the bonnet.

9 Recover the gasket fitted between the unit and the bulkhead.

10 Drain the fluid from the reservoir. Do not actuate the pushrod with the unit removed.

11 Dismantling of the hydraulic unit should be limited to the operations described in the following Sections (see illustration).

16.11 Hydraulic unit components - ABS
16.11 Hydraulic unit components - ABS

A Fluid reservoir B Accumulator
C Main valve
D Master cylinder
E Pushrod
F Pump and motor
G Booster
H Pressure switch
J Valve block

Refitting
12 Refitting is a reversal of removal, bearing in mind the following points.

13 Do not refill the fluid reservoir until reassembly and refitting is complete.

14 Use a new gasket between the hydraulic unit and the bulkhead.

15 Ensure that the hydraulic pipes are reconnected to the correct unions.

16 On completion, bleed the complete hydraulic system and check for leaks around all disturbed components.

    See also:

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