Engineering opinions sought

enuff_zed

enuff_zed

Lifer
 Attleborough, Norfolk
I'm not sure this is going to get a definitive right answer but it's food for thought and I'd like to hear opinions please:

After owning an Autophix 7910 for quite a while, it only came to my attention this week, via a forum post, that it can function the ABS pump to aid bleeding. Doesn't help that it is hidden in a menu called 'Ventilation'. :rolleyes:
Anyway, it got me thinking. It seems that the main cause of ABS/DSC unit issues on the E85/6 tends to be the failure of the pump. Having spoken to ECU Testing when I sent one for repair they said it is commonly the brushes seizing as the ABS pump hardly ever gets used.
So, here's my question for discussion:
Would it be prudent to periodically operate the pump to keep it in working order, or is this likely to hasten its demise?
 
I agree, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, as you say, spinning a motor every now and the will ensure that things don't start to stick together where they shouldn't be. But secondly, I'd far rather find out that the ABS pump was failing in the garage than the outside lane of the M6 on a wet Wednesday night when I need it.
 
If the brushes are seizing in their guides then I can't see running the motor will help as they only ever move as the brushes wear down. So you'd have to run the motor for some hours to generate any wear.

It's possible that the action of running to give them a shake might work but I've pulled apart several regularly used washing machine motors over the years where the brushes have stuck and they've lost drive. And they obviously see a lot more use!

On my E36 the ABS motor ran as you pulled away after starting with a very obvious graunch noise. If you had your foot on the pedal at just the right second you could feel it. And if it kicked in when driving, you knew all about it! I wonder if they still do still run a self test but the motors are just a lot quieter? I've a vague memory of the auto bleed being pretty quiet but it's a few years since I've run one.

Pity the damn units don't just bolt together. Make life a lot easier!
 
Last edited:
I'm all for that!

I work with a chap and he takes any attempt at discussion as arguing. I tend to think out loud (much like anything I write here) and I'm not wedded to anything I say which makes life tiresome.
 
enuff_zed said:
So, here's my question for discussion:
Would it be prudent to periodically operate the pump to keep it in working order, or is this likely to hasten its demise?
Click to expand...
Alternatively I’be heard people suggest some good braking on wet grass/snow to give the ABS pump a bit of a workout / flush once in a while.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom