I finally got my 95 Caravan together after replacing the: Master Cylinder, rear wheel cylinders and rear shoes. Got the Virginia safety inspection and everything passed! Then took it out for a drive and after about 20 minutes noticed a real sloppiness in the brakes. Took it home and found that brake fluid was dripping from the ABS modulator (directly beneath the battery).

I've been told the part will run about $600 and I don't have the DRB tool to bleed the new ABS modulator so will have to take it to the shop. This is really bad as my older three kids are now permanently down to one car to drive to collage.

I looked up recalls and found out that the 95 didn't have a recall on this part (but the 93 did). Don't know what I'm going to do now. Any pointers/comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,
Stan

Well, its a sad day, took it to my mechanic. My faithful steed is going to be put out to pasture (i.e. Junk Yard). Sorry to see the old fella go......


Best Regards,
Stan

Why is it going to the autobahn in the sky? Unless you have engine or trans problems it would be much cheaper to repair than buy a new one. You could probably find an ABS from a wrecking yard fairly inexpensive and have it installed. Car-part.com will allow you to search wrecking yards throughout the country for the best price.

Why is it going to the autobahn in the sky? Unless you have engine or trans problems it would be much cheaper to repair than buy a new one. You could probably find an ABS from a wrecking yard fairly inexpensive and have it installed. Car-part.com will allow you to search wrecking yards throughout the country for the best price.

GTP Dad,
Wow, love that site; this is a really helpful pointer! Now I can get my own used ABS modulator, put in on myself, and then take it to a local shop to bleed the modulator.

Thanks so much for the pointer! As soon as I get my old van back I'm planning on ripping out the leaking ABS modulator and taking it to a local junk yard (to ensure that I do get the same part).

Thanks again,
Stan

Why is it going to the autobahn in the sky? Unless you have engine or trans problems it would be much cheaper to repair than buy a new one. You could probably find an ABS from a wrecking yard fairly inexpensive and have it installed. Car-part.com will allow you to search wrecking yards throughout the country for the best price.


Well I’m disassembling the various stuff on top of the ABS modulator and I can see that the leak is coming from the ABS pump (that in the front of the unit). I guess that the seal has worn out is now leaking. I’m thinking that I can leave the modulator in place and just replace the seal on the pump itself.

One problem, I can’t loosen up the Allen bolts that hold the pump to the ABS modulator. I’ve tried spaying on “Liquid Wrench” and still those bad boys are stuck. Does someone have a suggestion of how I can get the Allen screws out??

Thanks,
Stan

QUestion: How do you upload pictures to this group. I just tried and it didn't seem to work.... THanks.

GTP DAD,
Can you believe it, the brakes work perfect after I put in the ABS Modulator that I got from the junk yard (using Car-parts.com). Thanks again for your help.

The only problem that I have now with the brakes is that I cannot bleed the actual ABS modulator, so I'm concerned what will happen if the ABS kicks in. So I just unplugged the cable that goes between the ABS computer and the ABS modulator. This then gives me regulator brakes but none of the ABS functionality. I'm going to stop in at dealer and see what they will charge to bleed it. Supposedly, to bleed the modulator, I need a piece of electronic test gear called a "DRB-II" to allow the six bleed screws on top of the modulator to suck in fluid one at a time. This DRB-II costs over $1,000.

Thanks again for your help.

Best Regards,
Stan

The abs system probably will need the dealer to bleed it but once you get it bled you shouldn't have any issues. I am glad you got your van working. Sure is cheaper than buying a new van and paying the Stealership a fortune for parts!!!

Any shop that has a DRB scanner and works on brakes can bleed your brakes. You can buy these snanners for $80-120. Not sure that means you can bleed the brakes yourself though. Doesn't have to be the "Stealership" (I like that one).