[Gregg]

Hi,
I have new brakes all round. I am not sure why but the ABS light is always on. The car does brake but feels a little spongey.
Could it be a faulty ABS belt? I know that hasn't been changed. Or maybe a sensor as one looks broken and is on loose.
I am pressing down and it starts to brake just before half way in the pedal travel.
I have also got braided hose not sure if this would make a different.
There could be air in the system as i had, a very small leak which I have now tighten up, since the bleeding.
Please let me know how it is meant to feel under braking and why my ABS light could be on?
Cheers
Gregg

[RobMk4TwinCarb]

The braided hoses should of made it better(less spongey), did you also use the bleed plunger on the modulators ? If you have had air in the system the best thing would be to bleed it all up again to make sure. Your ABS light on could just be a belt not tight enough.

Personally I ripped the ABS out(which is an easy job)and am installing cossie front brakes.

[Gregg]

I wasn't the one who bleed the brakes so I am not sure what they did. I don't believe the belt has ever been changed but I am a little worried about that sensor. It is on but loose and not sure if it is making the correct contact.
Is it really worth taking it off? I would think it would be better to have it on.

[RobMk4TwinCarb]

Well as i've been told bigger brakes don't work well with the ABS so if your going to upgrade your brakes ever take it off, you have to remember this ABS system was first made in the mid to late eighties so it really isn't the greatest and I found my brakes are much better without it.

The sensor itself being loose/not making contact with the belt will not effect the brakes just the light in your dash.

I have a sensor loom here, well I have the whole ABS system if you need any parts but honestly you will probably be much better off without it. If you can flare some pipe yourself(easy job I never tried until I took my ABS off and only messed up a couple of times)it's a quick job to convert it back to normal.

[Gregg]

As I have put new disc, pads, calipers, even bolts I think I will keep it as standard for the moment and I would like to keep the abs on there. Looks like the light on the dash is the sensor from what you are saying and it sounds like the spongey feeling is that it needs to be bled again.
Thanks Rob. If I need a new sensor I will let you know.

[gingergman]

if it was mine id get them bled again and if the sensor is loose then chances are its not connecting properly, change it, i cant see why it would stay on then as the breaks should be fine

[Lee81]

Would take the system off. These systems get very dangerous when the sensors arn't working as they should. As it will take pressure away from what you are applying if it thinks one wheel is locked up.

The difference between a abs and normal system are night and day on these cars