Will anyone in the USA rebuild the ABS control module?

Jdandy

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Feb 11, 2023
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Dantzler, MS
My 2012 ABS just failed...stealership wants 2200 +- for new install. Just cannot see it for a 2012 bike. One overshadowing problem exists. Insurance both collision and liability could be an issue if involved in an incident. I handled claims for 35 years and have seen some nasty issues arise out of modified or neglect to repair.s
 

Mr. BR

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San Jose, CA USA
Same situation here: purchased my ’12 back in August and the ABS light is on (I knew this at purchase, prev owner didn’t pursue a fix).
I’m getting a codes for front sensor and I believe the pump unit and no change after a full system bleed and a few other checks.
However, I do hear/feel some activity at the pump when manually cycling it but it is inconsistent.
I will likely replace the front sensor and complete more tests when I have it apart this Spring for a valve check.
If needed, I will get a used unit from Ebay and I’ve seen them priced from a low of $599 to over $1500 from sellers here in the USA (new is ~$1800 or more). I also wish there was a US based source to repair these!! Strangely, on a recent ride, the ABS light was OFF which I had NOT seen before but a quick lock up of the rear had the light back on…
Regards,
Mr. BR
 
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Jdandy

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Feb 11, 2023
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45
Location
Dantzler, MS
Same situation here: purchased my ’12 back in August and the ABS light is on (I knew this at purchase, prev owner didn’t pursue a fix).
I’m getting a codes for front sensor and I believe the pump unit and no change after a full system bleed and a few other checks.
However, I do hear/feel some activity at the pump when manually cycling it but it is inconsistent.
I will likely replace the front sensor and complete more tests when I have it apart this Spring for a valve check.
If needed, I will get a used unit from Ebay and I’ve seen them priced from a low of $599 to over $1500 from sellers here in the USA (new is ~$1800 or more). I also wish there was a US based source to repair these!! Strangely, on a recent ride, the ABS light was OFF which I had NOT seen before but a quick lock up of the rear had the light back on…
Regards,
Mr. BR

I have watched approximately 3 hours of youtube video on Bosch ABS pumps. These were all BMW automotive pumps but the same principal as the motorcy le pump. You have 3 primary pieces, the ABS module, the 12v electric motor and the pump valve body.. The valves are basically solenoid switches which react to information received from the wheel sensors via the ABS ECM. A stuck valve in the valve body will throw everything out of wack....there is either an open or closed cir unit in the system accordingly. Shop mechanics or the shops in general do not generate revenue repairing parts and being "mechanics" revenue is generated on parts profit and $120.00 / hr shop labor.
 

Mr. BR

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Yup, I've started watching some ABS related videos as well and I would venture that there is nothing unique about the Super's ABS unit except that it's on a motorcycle and it seems nobody tests/fixes those.
However, my Yam shop manual has many pages of test procedures I can complete so perhaps I'll find something I can fix... if not, I'll continue to watch Ebay for a reasonably priced used unit.
Mr. BR
 

Jdandy

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I guess it was my oversight to not change the brake fluid annually, if I missed it in the maintenance schedule my bad....but who the hell changes brake fluid that often. The fluid looked like coca cola when I opened up the reservoir on the handle bar. Based on similar mentioned problems with Bosch systems on BMW cars I am willing to bet there is either debris or varnish in the valve body. If those solenoids are not making sequential contact it shuts the system down and the ABS CPU detects an error. I have read instances of the back brake pedal locking......no fluid movement no brakes or locked brakes. I took my bike to a shop and they ran the diagnostic returning a "Code 62" Hydraulic unit failure. It works intermittently after it sits overnight. Have you ever seen a gooey greasy mess that locks up a moving part or limits its movement.....I am thinking along these lines. It is taking overnight for a valve to completely open or completely close.
 

Jdandy

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Dantzler, MS
Another potential problem...a dirty or corroded connection between the wiring harness and ABS. There is a lot going on in that connector.
 

jbrown

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Novato, CA
Some years ago, I repaired a friend's ABS on a Mercedes SUV (M class?). The solenoid coils were soldered to a PCB in a silicon encapsulated box, and the solder joints tended to corrode on that model. I dug out enough of the silicon to re-solder the connections, and that fixed the ABS. We figured it was worth a try since a replacement box was way out of his budget range.
 

Jdandy

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Dantzler, MS
Yup, I've started watching some ABS related videos as well and I would venture that there is nothing unique about the Super's ABS unit except that it's on a motorcycle and it seems nobody tests/fixes those.
However, my Yam shop manual has many pages of test procedures I can complete so perhaps I'll find something I can fix... if not, I'll continue to watch Ebay for a reasonably priced used unit.
Mr. BR
I have reviewed all of those pages myself....the dealer seems too eager to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" It is a lot more profitable to sell a customer a new part that has been marked up 200% and then throw 4 or 5 hours of labor on top of that than to attempt to slavage a part. I can understand their plight the internet has cut into their monopoly on parts and youtube offers a wealth of advice to anyone who has a modicum of mechanical expertise. Volume sales and sorry customer service is the apparent trend at the stealerships.

I am not a mechanic but I am not mechanically illiterate either. The shop manager tried telling me how much DOT4 it would take to bleed the system.........AND ?
DOT 4 is 10.00 / qt. (they would charge 40.00)
 

scott123007

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What it ultimately comes down to is what rear ABS is worth to you. On a heavy touring bike or cruiser, I can see it as a benefit because a substantial amount of weight is on the rear wheel and the rear brake actually helps to slow the bike. On most other bikes, anyone with a skill set above novice, should care less about REAR ABS. Front ABS is all you need, and with it, can do virtually all of your stopping in every condition. If my ABS pump shits the bed, especially if it is the just rear brake that fails,which seems to be the common theme, I will do what Thetractorman did, and disable just the rear, as it is virtually worthless on bikes like these anyway.
 
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audiowize

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.the dealer seems too eager to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" It is a lot more profitable to sell a customer a new part that has been marked up 200% and then throw 4 or 5 hours of labor on top of that than to attempt to slavage a part
What if they throw 4-5 hours at trying to fix your ABS pump and they fail, then they have to charge you another 4-5 hours to do the repair the correct way plus the cost of the new part. They might also get the pump working with that 4-5 hours worth of labor, but maybe it fails again in short order. They know these scenarios are going to piss you off and they are making the correct recommendation to go with a new pump and that repair should come with a decent warranty as well.
 

scott123007

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What if they throw 4-5 hours at trying to fix your ABS pump and they fail, then they have to charge you another 4-5 hours to do the repair the correct way plus the cost of the new part. They might also get the pump working with that 4-5 hours worth of labor, but maybe it fails again in short order. They know these scenarios are going to piss you off and they are making the correct recommendation to go with a new pump and that repair should come with a decent warranty as well.
Winner winner, chicken dinner!
 

Jdandy

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Dantzler, MS
What if they throw 4-5 hours at trying to fix your ABS pump and they fail, then they have to charge you another 4-5 hours to do the repair the correct way plus the cost of the new part. They might also get the pump working with that 4-5 hours worth of labor, but maybe it fails again in short order. They know these scenarios are going to piss you off and they are making the correct recommendation to go with a new pump and that repair should come with a decent warranty as well.
That makes sense however, this should be a relatively objective procedure that could be accomplished in Ann hour or so.
 

Checkswrecks

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What if they throw 4-5 hours at trying to fix your ABS pump and they fail, then they have to charge you another 4-5 hours to do the repair the correct way plus the cost of the new part. They might also get the pump working with that 4-5 hours worth of labor, but maybe it fails again in short order. They know these scenarios are going to piss you off and they are making the correct recommendation to go with a new pump and that repair should come with a decent warranty as well.
Agreed

That makes sense however, this should be a relatively objective procedure that could be accomplished in Ann hour or so.
Voice of experience? I'd say it's an hour just to get the unit out and then back in without bleeding

If you find some of the early threads from years ago I believe you'll find people found corrosion inside the ABS units so had to trash them. Now your dealer has realistically had to charge you an hour to remove the old unit, maybe another half hour to open it up (which they realistically won't in the first place), and found it can not be fixed. You're pissed because they are not doing what you expected, returning your bike in working condition, AND charged you for what you see as having done nothing, plus your bike is stuck at their shop till they can resolve with you what to do next. And they know you're going to bad mouth them to friends and the intertoobs.

From the dealer's perspective I wouldn't touch it.
 
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Jdandy

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Dantzler, MS
Ok, then get it done!
Absolutely.....judging from your initial measured response and your last snappy retort you are more than likely a franchisee that monitors this site. It was an unleveled playing field as long as everything was controlled and metered from the mother ship. If someone has a modicum of mechanical aptitude tney can accomplish a lot.

Best regards "M"
 

tntmo

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San Diego, CA
I just love to hear someone say how easy something is, and then they won't/can't do it so easily. You could prove everyone wrong if you get this done in "an hour or two" as you stated.

I'm just a dude who messes around with motorcycles in my garage, not a "franchisee that monitors this site" or not even a dealership mechanic.....but I have done enough work on bikes to know that no dealership is going to work on that ABS unit. A guy like me, I would do it for my own bike or maybe for a close friend. I have nothing to lose but several hours of my time fiddling around with an already broken part. That's why I told you in a "snappy retort" to get it done, because otherwise you're just talking the talk.

If you want to bring it down to San Diego, I can put you up for a few nights in my RV and we will take it apart and see what we can figure out. Make a few steaks, have some cold beverages and BS about the old days. No kidding, I got you. I no longer have a Tenere, so you'd have to ride with a KTM guy now. Sorry about that!
 

Jdandy

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Dantzler, MS
I plan on starting this next week. I have a good friend who just did a motor swap in an Explorer 1200...he is very very good. He can take a goldwing down to the frame diagnosing and repairing any issues along the way. I am nowhere close to his league but I am working at his shop and have him for immediate consultation.

Let me clarify on the "hour" mentioned. That "hour" is to remove the valve body fom the unit once IT IS REMOVED FROM THE BIKE. I will be systematic and detailed in my disassembly labeling parts in plastic bags. I am guessing it will take 1.5 - 2 hours to disassemble. 2 hrs to disassemble and clean the valve body 2 hours to assemble and .5 hrs to refill and bleed the system. I will allow 8 hours with no problems encountered. I am retired, do not punch a clock or respond or wag my tail when someone says "come here boy"

If the unit is a total bust I will leave tne bike disassembled and order another pump.
 
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