September 9, 200916 yr Over a year ago, the battery was going dead...come to find out there was a hum coming from the ABS unit (front pass. side of engine compartment--where all those brake lines merge). I think the board said just unplug it...I did and it worked but of course no more ABS. If one want to fix this, is the electrical part only replaceable? (meaning, I don't have to disconnect all the brake lines do I?) I know there is some mixed opimions on the value of ABS in the snow (and we have snow in SE NY state!!!). Us seasoned drivers might have better control by pumping the brakes.... I would like to hear opinions on having it for a brand new driver...my son just turned 16 and I am working on the car in preparation that he will need it by next summer or so. I'm thinking it may be beneficial for a kid that does not have the experience we older ones have.....Thoughts?
September 9, 200916 yr If you find you need one let me know. There were apparently several types - even in the 97 Model Year. I'm parting a 95 Legacy sedan and a 97 Outback both with ABS. The 97 OBW I have driven and know the ABS works/light doesn't come on, etc. The 95 I bought with a bad tranny so I can't speak for it. I also have a 99 on the shelf.
September 9, 200916 yr I hate the ABS in these cars. It's way too touchy for my taste and once the cars get rusty it doesn't function well. I regularly disable it on cars I work on.
September 9, 200916 yr You should be able to replace the control unit without having to remove the lines. But I think the motor is part of the housing and requires removal of the entire unit to replace. Depends on the type. It's not that hard to just replace the whole thing. Grab one from a junkyard.
September 9, 200916 yr 16 - he's going to trash the car anyway, why put any work into it!?? Seriously, snow traction is heavily dictated by tire quality. If it's got poor tread, cheap tires, or even old tires I'd leave it without ABS. If it has new tires and is in overall good shape then the ABS will perform much better and would be worth fixing. I don't think it'd be that hard to replace either, but I haven't done it. I have a 1996 Legacy parts car with ABS if you need it.
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