C4 Brake Problem

[Michael H.]

Have a friend with a brake problem on her C4. The RF wheel brake seems to be somewhat applied at all times after a short drive. The brakes function normally but the RF never seems to release completely. The 1st thing replaced was the caliper but there was no change.

They brought the car to a Chevrolet dealer and were told that they needed a part that was no longer available and not rebuilbeable. They called it an "ABS Control Module".

Anyone have any experience with this? Does anyone happen to have the part number for this? Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

Michael------

I assume that we're talking about an 86-89. That is the only year range for which the ABS control module is not currently available from GM.

Based upon your description of the symptoms, I would say that the problem is either with the rubber brake hose connecting the caliper to the brake line or the ABS module. If you replaced the hose with the caliper, then you've eliminated that possibility.

The ABS module for 86-89 was GM #14103343. However, it was discontinued some time ago. When it was discontinued, it carried a GM list price of over $1,100. I would check with Auto ECM's (www.autoecms.com). It is possible, although unlikely, that they may be able to come up with a rebuilt unit.

[Michael H.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

Thanks Joe. I'll check with Auto ECM's. Pretty sure the dealer replaced the caliper and the hose. The problem returned when they were half way home from the dealer after the repair.

I don't suppose something like this is rebuildable "at home"? Not likely parts are available.

Wonder if this is a common problem on these cars.

[Tom S.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

I would double check the hose.I see this all the time where they collapse on the inside and cause this exact problem..Tom

[Michael H.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

Thanks Tom, I'll find out for sure this AM if she had the hose replaced. Pretty sure she said that they replaced the caliper and hose but I'll check the receipt to make sure.

That was a very common problem years ago but I didn't know it continued on newer cars. Hopefully, that's all it is.

[Terry M.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

Since I am a cynic, Michael, I would suggest you check the car to determine if the hose was replaced. The receipt will only tell you what she was charged for.

[Michael H.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

Good point Terry, thanks. I'll see the car in a few hours and will check.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

Yep, a fellow cynic agrees: "People don't do what you EX-pect; they do what you IN-spect"...Particularly if you're a gal taking your car in for service. Good thing she didn't ask to get her oil changed or request a tune-up.

[Michael H.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

This gets worse. I've now learned that she first brought the car to a local mechanic who told her it could be the caliper but also could be the ABS control module. He replaced the caliper and hose but the problem didn't go away. He told her he couldn't return the parts once they had been installed so she was stuck with the bill. He then suggested taking the car to the Chevrolet dealer.

The next day, the Chevrolet dealer repaired what they considered to be the problem. They replaced the caliper and hose. Again. (more expensive this time) One block away from the dealer, on her way home, the RF wheel brake locked again. She immediately returned to the dealer. The service manager informed her that if it wasn't the caliper, "it must be the ABS control module". (mechanics by process of elimination will eventually replace the right part) However, he couldn't refund her money as used parts are not returnable.

I suggested she not argue with him but immediately take it to small claims court.

I found a company in NJ that rebuilds these ABS units on an exchange basis. It's "Overnight Automotive" at 888 267 1845. Price is $675. They claim next day delivery and no shipping charge. (www.autoecms.com) We'll see how this works out.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

Amazing...the guy looks right at a brand new caliper and hose, and doesn't recognize one when he sees it. The work probably takes a professional 20 minutes, and allows an hour at the labor rate...mo'money, mo'money, mo'money.

It's fantastic you found a rebuilt for her, Mike! Thumbs Up!

[Michael H.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

Even more amazing is the fact that she informed the service writer that the caliper/hose had been replaced the day before. He even made note of this on the repair order. (fortunately) Upon picking up the car, she was told that the caliper that was replaced was defective and required replacing. Again.

She refuses to tell me the total cost of both episodes.

[Terry M.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

That sort of stuff gives the honest wrenches a bad name, and makes all women (and many men, too) afraid to take their car in for service. I hope you're going to R & R it for her Mike. I can see why she wouldn't trust anyone else.

Whoever does the work better have a power bleeder -- I expect it will be frustrating to get the brakes bled without one.

[Michael H.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

There's a guy right down the street from me that works at a Chev dealer as a mechanic. He's totally honest and knows what he's doing so I'll strongly recommend she bring her car to him. He does limited side jobs for the neighbors.

Anything newer than about mid/late 70's cars are off the list for me. I have no idea what all the contraptions are under the hood of these new cars.

[Tom S.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

Micheal
I think Ecklers has a repair service for the module. I believe the repair shop is located Mim's. I cannot remember the name and I don't know if they have exchange unit's or not.Wish I could be more help but my mind isn't what it once was. I have a bad case of CRS.. Tom
P.S. I would still check the hose, how do you know either one of those parts changers really changed it? I would take a look at least, probably pull it of and put some air to it anyway just to see..

[Michael H.]

Re: C4 Brake Problem

Thanks Tom. I'll check into the Ecklers tip. I'm sure she would rather deal with someone here in FL than 1000 miles away.

Hope to finally see the car later this evening so I'll have a look at the hose.