Abs Compensators Help/advice Please

[ORB 227 1 Cars]

So, as you know I have an ex abs car (binned it).

 

I recently failed my MOT test since GTI6 conversion on rear brake imbalance (among other things!)

 

So I guessed a strip and re-bleed was in order and throw in some new pads as a matter of caution.

 

But upon inspection and general poking about as you do, I took my attention to the compensators that are fitted. I have only played with one side but I'm sure something is amiss.

 

Behold quality photography:

 

 

 

Car jacked up, no load on beam, all looks a bit loose with no pressure on the spring.

 

Now, I put a bottle jack under the arm to put some pressure on it;

 

 

And the spring got nearer making pressure but was still loose, one sure there is more jacking to do, but I can't see what the pressure could do as I can't see any piston that should be or could be being pressed?

 

Now, don't get me wrong, I see the hinged part that presses the compensator, but should this not be decompressed thus pushing the piston/plunger thing out? I can't see where leverage can be applied?

 

Am I making sense? What do I adjust or do I just bin them off and hard pipe it right through? (Running 266mm brakes at the front)

 

Ta

[welshpug 1,655]

have someone press the pedal whilst you watch the hinged part, you should see/feel it move, as long as hinged part is not seized, and plunger also not seized.

 

the spring presses up on the hinged part pushing the plunger in, the more the suspension compresses the further the plunger is pressed in and the more the valve will flow.

[ORB 227 1 Cars]

Cool, good advice WP.

 

So, the way I read this, just to clarify is to put it all back together, nice and clean with new pads and discs, get the wife to press pedal while I'm under the car, watch for movement of piston & flap lever thing and all is good? So I don't adjust the spring rod any?

 

Thanks again. Was about to bin them and put standard compensators in line.

[ORB 227 1 Cars]

Also, noticed fitting kit missing from one side!!

[2-Pugs 57]

That compensator looks seized to me bud. I'd put a virtual beer on it cos i've suffered that over the years. The arm should move freely - check it. The spring is a bit irrelevant really, it controls how much the arm moves in relation to load / vertical ride height under braking therefore controlling the brake force to that wheel.

 

I would honestly suggest you remove them and fit a non abs set up as its one less moving part to seize up.

 

You might have some success by removing them and soaking them in WD40 or Plus-Gas to see if they can be freed.

 

If course if you're about to bin them I'm going to cheekily ask you to send them to me ;-) seeing as they are NFP from Peugeot...

Edited September 26, 2013 by 2-Pugs

[ORB 227 1 Cars]

Ha ha! Love it!

 

However, I got under the car this morning and had my assistant (3 year old daughter) press brakes, and surprise surprise they are free!

 

But when I rebuilt the near side caliper the other night, it was sticking on the sliders and the whole lot was generally a bit tits. So a quick strip and rebuild and I think all is well. We just have to see what the MOT man says when I get a chance!

 

Oh, inevitably the stupid things on the back will be swapped for standard style. I'll shout when I can be bothered to do it...