ABS to non-ABS

[curlybandit]

I just learned from my mechanic that I may need to replace the Master Cylinder in my 1991 Buick Regal GS, with the 3.8L. My understanding is that 1991 is the only year that they made this disaster of a braking system. A rebuilt master cylinder for one of these things with the ABS is NOT CHEAP. I'm looking at over $1000.00. Does anyone know if it is possible to convert this model Regal from ABS to non-ABS as this model came with both systems? Otherwise, can anyone recomend where I can get a rebuilt ABS-master cylinder for this model Regal, or at least a used one with a decent warantee? Any help will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.

Curlybandit

[millennium]

I have a regal that originally came with ABS, the previous owner changed the system to non-abs.
It is just as easy as disconnect all the connectors that are plugged to the ABS pump under the master cylinder, and plug the brake lines directly to the non-abs master cylinder (it has 3 openings, 1 for each front brakes and 1 for the rear ones).
You'll have a Antilock light always turned-on in the instrument cluster.. but that's all.

[BLACKI]

Originally Posted by millennium

I have a regal that originally came with ABS, the previous owner changed the system to non-abs.
It is just as easy as disconnect all the connectors that are plugged to the ABS pump under the master cylinder, and plug the brake lines directly to the non-abs master cylinder (it has 3 openings, 1 for each front brakes and 1 for the rear ones).
You'll have a Antilock light always turned-on in the instrument cluster.. but that's all.

Please confirm that this conversion of ABS to non-ABS is that simple! Was your's a 1991 Regal? That year was a unique setup hydroboost master cylinder-pump combo, it was only put out in certain 1991 models. I have been letting my Gran Sport sit for 4 years because of the leaky ABS master cylinder-pump combo. $2900 new, nothing under $500 used. Even wrote an official complaint to GM - their answer was "out of warranty".
When pedal is pressed fluid runs out (strong drip) from back of master cylinder near one of the lines coming out. Hard to see, by firewall, but i was told the leak is not repairable. But i wonder truely is it? I also thought i was told the non-abs doesn't matchup / fit the same? Millennium whats the word? Can I use the same year and model , master cylinder non-abs, and it will mount up ok? Do lines going to ABS pump need to be capped after disconnecting?

[millennium]

My car is an 1988 buick regal with grand sport option, I don't know if the systems are the same but I thought that.
I'm going to take some photos of the master cylinder for you to see, but if your leak is comming right out of the master cylinder.. the part you'll need to replace is that, not the abs pump...
So you can find out a normal master cylinder (you'll find one for about $50-90) and plug in to your car, plug the brake lines and let the old abs pump and system alone.

[BLACKI]

Originally Posted by millennium

My car is an 1988 buick regal with grand sport option, I don't know if the systems are the same but I thought that.
I'm going to take some photos of the master cylinder for you to see, but if your leak is comming right out of the master cylinder.. the part you'll need to replace is that, not the abs pump...
So you can find out a normal master cylinder (you'll find one for about $50-90) and plug in to your car, plug the brake lines and let the old abs pump and system alone.

Unfortunately the Master Cylinder and ABS pump are all one unit, 1991 only year they made it that way. Can't separate one from the other. Thats why the new ones cost $2900 and the used ones are hard to find. I also think you cannot repair / rebuild them. A GM Engineering Fiasco.