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Re: No ABS?



Al,  I don't think it is my foot on the brake pedal causing a back tire 
to occassionally lock up.  If the front tires are at there thresh hold 
and a back tire locks I would have to blame it on balance of the car.  
With the stock suspension the brake dive is horrendous, and I have to 
believe that the unloding of the rear end is greater than if the car sat 
flatter.  I also have to say that an abrupt application of the brakes 
causes the rear end to lock more easily than if the brakes are applied 
smoothly and not causing such a violent weight transfer.
Brendan Rudack
88' 90Q
Boulder Colorado

On Sun, 7 Apr 1996, Al Powell wrote:

> Brendan Rudack <rudack@ucsub.Colorado.EDU> wrote:
> > 
> > Is it possible to disconnect the front ABS sensors so they are 
> > non-functional leaving the car with ABS for the rear tires only?  I do 
> > not like the ABS in my car and I haven't driven with it for a long time.  
> > However I have noticed that occasionally a back tire will lock and I 
> > would prefer to not flat spot my tires.  
> 
> Hi, Brendan.  This question is interesting.  Would you mind 
> explaining why you don't like the ABS?  I'm sure you are aware that 
> although it is not intended to stop you shorter than standard brakes 
> (as many people seem to think) but it does provide increased ease of 
> control - and often does stop shorter because of that  control.
> 
> Its primary advantages (in my understanding) are:
> 
> 1) To prevent the front wheels from locking up under heavy braking; 
> one "Big-T Truch" is: when the front tires lock up, you CAN NOT steer. 
> Therefore, ABS offers you as a drive the chance to dynamite the 
> brakes for maximum stopping ability while retaining full steering 
> control.  This is truly a valuable circumstance!
> 
> I have been thru the (2-day, lightweight, OK?) Bondurant school and 
> spent a week at the Washington State Patrol Driving Instructor's 
> school, and I still can't trust my foot not to lock the brakes for a 
> moment (maybe a long moment....) under high stress.  Therefore, I 
> really like the ABS in my Audi!  I wish my 280ZXT had it.
> 
> 2) ABS helps to compensate for situations in which some tires are on 
> a different traction surface than others; example would be a side-of-
> the-road stop in which you get our outside tires onto gravel, or 
> hard braking during which you hit a patch of pavement with sand, 
> gravel, or ice.  ABS will help keep you from getting seriously 
> sideways or losing control in such situations.
> 
> Whether you use ABS or not is certainly your call.  However, I'm 
> interested in your reasons.  Why don't we on the list chat about it?
> 
> As for your question, IMO, it would be taking a big chance to 
> attempt to defeat *part* of a system like ABS.  I doubt it could be 
> done safely and would suggest it most practical to simply turn it 
> off.  NOTE: **If** you can't avoid occasionally locking up your rear 
> tires, then I submit that you would benefit more from using ABS than 
> leaving it off, as this indicates your braking reflexes are not 
> superior to ABS. I suppose there are unusual circumstances in which 
> ABS may be turned off to the driver's advantage...but none come to 
> mind at the moment.
> 
> >     Also,  I would like to upgrade to the dual piston calipers on the 
> > TQ.  Does anyone know if the 4-bolt 10.9 inch rotors found on the coupe 
> > and 90Q20v have the same offset as my 4-bolt 10.1 inchers?  Also, are the 
> > calipers on the coupe the same as those found on the 5000TQ?  One last 
> > thing, should there be any clearance problems with my stock 14inch wheels 
> > with the larger brakes?
> 
> Can't help you on this question.  I suspect that if you can change 
> the calipers, larger diameter wheels will be required.  BUT - a 
> question: what's your goal for this conversion?  Other list-members 
> might be able to suggest options is they know what your *purpose* is.  
> If your goal is to reduce brake fade, different pads and drilled 
> rotors might be indicated...and much simpler to do.
> Al Powell                           Voice:  409/845-2807
> Ag Communications                   Fax:    409/862-1202
> 107 Reed McDonald Bldg.             Email:  a-powell1@tamu.edu 
> College Station, TX  77843-2112
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>