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355 How to remove ABS valves

Discussion in '348/355' started by MrJames, Sep 1, 2022.

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  1. MrJames

    MrJames Karting

    Apr 12, 2020
    62
    South Florida
    Full Name:
    James Webb
    #1 MrJames, Sep 1, 2022
    I feel like this is a third rail - for some reason, no one dares reveal this procedure. There's loads of info on how to take off the solenoid block, and the motor, but I want to take the valves out. Every part of my brake system (97, 5.2, 6-speed) that I've examined has either had green slime or some cement-like substance in it. So I've replaced (or had rebuilt) everything whose cleanliness I couldn't verify. The ABS hydraulic unit is the last piece. And it doesn't seem anyone can convince me that it's fine, or, for that matter, that a used unit would be ok. Terrified of brake failure caused by a hydraulic clog.

    So before I spend thousands of dollars, and wait for weeks, for a new one, is there any way I can take mine apart for inspection? I saw the Raybestos video below, and that's what I want to do! But I don't know how to grip that thing without destroying it. Also, the hydraulic part looks identical to those used on comparable-era Boxster and 996 cars. Not that I want a used one from one of them, either.

    Please, someone break the taboo and tell me how to get these valves out! (And apart, most likely.)

    I have a hydraulic press, if that improves my odds of success.

     
  2. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula Junior
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    Feb 15, 2013
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    Charlotte, NC
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    Joseph Troutwine
    #2 GTO Joe, Sep 1, 2022
    Did you see this video on cleaning the valve body?

    Another tip. This is a big "if" because I don't have a 355 to check but you state the body looks like a Porsche unit. There have been problems with early 2000's Porsche units with a leaking fitting on the valve body that was updated around 2002. Trouble is Porsche wants to only sell the complete unit with motor for well into $$$$$. The body is a Bosch produced part and used in many application with the most common one being Mazda. There are a ton of used units available like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/234630230934. You can confirm if this would solve your problem by comparing the part numbers on the Mazda unit to the one on your car (thats the big if). It is the same exact one used in the 996TT for example. Hope this might be of some help.
     
  3. MrJames

    MrJames Karting

    Apr 12, 2020
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    South Florida
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    James Webb
    #3 MrJames, Sep 1, 2022
    Very interesting - if I felt like I could get enough alcohol through it, I might go for keeping it. Thanks for the tip about the Mazda stuff, too; I'll check it out.
     
  4. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula Junior
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    Feb 15, 2013
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    Joseph Troutwine
    #4 GTO Joe, Sep 1, 2022
    Did you see this video?
    Another tip. This a big "if" because I don't have a 355 to check this but you mention the valve body is similar to Porsche units. If that is true there have been problems with their units leaking in the valve body from a fitting that was removed in an update around 2002 by the manufacture which is Bosch. Porsche will not sell just the valve body but wants to sell the complete unit with motor for $$$$$. This particular body was used on a number of vehicles with Mazda being the most common. Search Mazda RX-8 part 0 265 225 242 on E-Bay which will give you many choices for less than $75. You can check the part numbers that are stamped in the end of the body and I know they are an exact fit for a 996TT. For that price it might be worth buying to practice on disassembly. Hope this is of some help. Good luck.
     
  5. MrJames

    MrJames Karting

    Apr 12, 2020
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    South Florida
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    James Webb
    #5 MrJames, Sep 2, 2022
    I managed to dissolve all the green slime that came out of one of the lines in some denatured alcohol (methylated spirits). It took better than an hour, but I think I'm on the right track to keeping my ABS unit. Currently soaking it in. Thanks again, @GTO Joe !
     
  6. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
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    Feb 18, 2008
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    Grant
    #6 taz355, Sep 2, 2022
    How bad did your breaks suck before this or is this more preventative due to age
    I have never taken mine apart
     
  7. MrJames

    MrJames Karting

    Apr 12, 2020
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    South Florida
    Full Name:
    James Webb
    #7 MrJames, Sep 4, 2022
    This was because the brakes were substantially nonfunctional when I got the car. Lots of green slime and cement-like stuff in the lines, pump, etc. I took everything I could apart and had it rebuilt or replaced or fabbed some new stuff myself. There were a small number of brake lines I deemed reusable after flushing with brake parts cleaner.
     
  8. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
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    Grant
    #8 taz355, Sep 5, 2022
    Ok because my brakes were functional before I bled the abs but obviously not working well.
    It was my fault in that I did not plug the lines on my second engine out and too much fluid leaked out.
     
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