Bad ABS module in 1990 Fleetwood

[only1kairi]

My father has a 1990 FWD Fleetwood. The brakes are really stiff and his mechanic told him it was the ABS unit producing problems. The mechanic then mention the the ABS unit is a rare and hard part to get for these cars. I just want to know if anyone else has ran into this problem and how did they solve it.

Please note the brakes do appear to be working, they are just really tight. Thanks in advance.

[chubbyranger]

I've never heard of an ABS unit causing stiff brakes - that sounds more like a bad vacuum booster or master cylinder. ABS was an option in 1990 that I don't think was that common. I'd get a 2nd opinion at a good brake shop.

[cadillac_tech]

Does the pedal feel stiff like you have to push REAL hard to stop, or is it stiff at the bottom of travel only? Do the ABS and Red brake warning light come on? Can you go into an ABS stop by slamming the pedal at 20 mph? Or is it actually not ABS equipped? Being a Fleetwood, I'd guess it has it and if the accumulator is bad, the warnings will come on.

[only1kairi]

Originally Posted by cadillac_tech

Does the pedal feel stiff like you have to push REAL hard to stop, or is it stiff at the bottom of travel only? Do the ABS and Red brake warning light come on? Can you go into an ABS stop by slamming the pedal at 20 mph? Or is it actually not ABS equipped? Being a Fleetwood, I'd guess it has it and if the accumulator is bad, the warnings will come on.

It feels stiff like you have to push REAL hard to stop. And yes the ABS and Brake light comes on. I haven't ever felt the ABS on that thing. I have a 94 STS and the ABS come one every once in awhile in the city if I slam on the brakes. It does have the ABS system in it. Do you think he should get a second opinion?

[cadillac_tech]

It sounds like a bad accumulator. If the lights are out, come on after applying the brake, then go out shortly after releasing the brake, you have a bad accumulator. It is the fist size black ball next to the fluid reservoir. It is serviceable - easy to do.
Pump the pedal 25 times with the key off so no pressure is remaining, unscrew it, and screw on the new one.

[Jim Hatt]

cadillac tech,
I have the exact same problem with a 1990 Fleetwood. Hard pedal, ABS lights (Orange & Red) come on when pedal is pushed and go out when released. I found the black ball with the warning label on it that says to pump brake 25 times before removing. My question is... What is the proper name of it. I cannot find ABS Accumulator on any of the online auto parts stores.