Getting rid of ABS on my '96 GT?

[WindingRoad]

I want to completely get rid of the ABS on my 1996 LGT.

Asides from the fact that my ABS pump unit leaks (and I was unlucky enough to have a version that is much harder to find compared to the ones most other Subarus have), it's wonky and activates at times when I don't want it to and in general acts entirely too sensitive for my tastes.

I've been driving around for awhile with the ABS fuse pulled and was fine with it, and some of my previous cars didn't have ABS, so I'm used to threshold braking (especially in snow).

With that said, what would I need to dump my abs? I know I'll need hard brake lines from a wagon not equipped with ABS (Brightons I believe?). Will I need to replace the master cylinder as well? Asides from ditching the ABS pump, old hard lines, and the sensors, anything else I can get rid of?

I figure now would be a good a time as any, as I plan on getting some braided brake lines as well since the stock LGT ones are old and don't want to mate up with my WRX suspension in a non-ziptied way.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Huffer]

The easiest way is to do what you've already done - pull the fuse.
But if you want to remove everything, then you need to remove the pump and install non-ABS lines in between - this wouldn't be difficult providing you bend the pipes correctly.

You'll also need to remove the ABS sensors from the wheels...that's about it.

[Okin DaVanh]

The easiest way is to do what you've already done - pull the fuse.
But if you want to remove everything, then you need to remove the pump and install non-ABS lines in between - this wouldn't be difficult providing you bend the pipes correctly.

You'll also need to remove the ABS sensors from the wheels...that's about it.

Does seem like quite a bit than just getting another pump, but there are some good times to be had without A.B.S.

What kind of "problems" are you having with another unit? Matching manufacturer or GT specific?

[WindingRoad]

Does seem like quite a bit than just getting another pump, but there are some good times to be had without A.B.S.

What kind of "problems" are you having with another unit? Matching manufacturer or GT specific?

Yeah, I know it seems like a bit of hassle initially.

My main issue with getting a new pump was mentioned in this thread (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=12232), where another member had the same problem. The particular ABS unit we have is apparently uncommon to other Legacys, or Subies in general from what it appears.

Even when the unit was working properly (i.e. not leaking all over the place), I was just never a fan of the ABS to begin with.

Ditching the ABS pump also clears up some clutter underneath the hood, being as I haven't used ABS in nearly 2 years anyways.

With that said, anyone have any suggestions as to where I can order new non-ABS brake lines? I would rather not go junkyard hunting because of the iffy condition the lines may be in.

Thanks again guys.

[impreza_GC8]

I'll be watching this thread. My car hasn't had working ABS for at least a year, probably more like two. I have a knuckle from a non ABS car so the sensor is disconnected, thus disabling ABS. If I could remove the entire ABS system for the sake of weight savings that would be nice. I don't mind junkyard parts, half the Legacy's in the yard have less miles than my Legacy!

[slaytalera]

when i got my BG the ABS was messed up so i just pulled the 2 relays under the hood and its been fine for 2+ years except the ABS light is always on, but you learn to tune it out

[subba]

if you remove it, be sure to document it because i would like to do this.

[Huffer]

With that said, anyone have any suggestions as to where I can order new non-ABS brake lines? I would rather not go junkyard hunting because of the iffy condition the lines may be in.

I would think that if you ordered lines meant for a Brighton or an L that didn't come with ABS then you'd be good to go.
A dealer or OEM parts supplier would likely be the only one who could help.

You could try this link to make your own. I know a few muscle car guys that are bending their own lines:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2320217_make-cu ... -line.html (http://www.ehow.com/how_2320217_make-custom-brake-line.html)

[WindingRoad]

Anybody know offhand if the proportioning valves are the same between the ABS and non-ABS equipped cars? I'm slowly trying to source together the parts I need.

edit: Nevermind, they're different. Once I start getting parts in I'll try to document the process. Right now the parts I'm trying to source are a non-ABS master cylinder (eBay has a few of these), the hard brake lines that go from firewall to MC, and the proportioning valve (not so easy to find). After that, I should be good. Anything beyond that I think is just removal of the ABS related stuff.