2001 Chevy Cavalier disconnection of the abs brake system

2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
104,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
JLAPOINT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I HAD brake problems ;jerking and fronts wkeels blocking that i noticed specialy when we started having snow.So i had the brakes checked out .The rotors; the brakes calllipers and thebrakes pads were changed on front wheels but the same trouble persist so the mecanic disconnected the abs system and the troubles dissapear. He tolded me that is the way that he often do. The abs light in the front panel is always on.Since two weeks ;to me the brakes are working very well .Do you thing this is correct and safe .Thank you much.
Dec 24, 2007 at 11:58 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 17,250 POSTS
It's not the correct way, it just cripples ABS, an add on control system for brakes, ABS is effective at reducing wheel skid and decreasing stopping distance!
Better to accuratly diagnose the real problem, I recommend you re-activate ABS and go to a shop that can scan ABS computer for fault codes! The fix may be a simple wheel sensor!
Dec 25, 2007 at 8:11 AM
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 9,123 POSTS
I think it is a big mistake and would not call it safe. This is my personal opinion and say that from the abs system saving my life. Without it I clearly would have slid underneath a truck that probably would have decapitated me.

That mechanic is opening himself up a serious lawsuit if someone gets killed from his negligence.

The anti-lock brake system (abs), allows you to have a much better chance of maintaining control should you go into a slide. If it detects a problem within the system, the light comes on and is no longer working.
The abs system will pulse the brakes in a rapid fashion that allows you to slow down when in a skid, it pulses faster than the emotional driver that is going into a skid that does not have a working abs system.

IT should be re-connected and diagnosed. The brake job you had done to solve this very well may have not been needed...granted we will never know at this point...it was mis-diagnosed as the problem had remained.

There will be codes that will set in the system that are retrieved from the computer. OFten it turns out to be a wheel speed sensor that is the underlying cause.

My advice, is get it fixed before you need it.
Dec 25, 2007 at 8:19 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.