Too many moving parts. I use my Tahoe on desert roads constantly in So. Cal. My ABS is always a problem. Now I know I can just pull the fuse, but why drag around all that hardware if im not using it. Ive already gone conventional on the suspension, and removed all the old hardware.
ABS to conventional brake conversion.
- Thread starter JeffL
- Start date
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Too many moving parts. I use my Tahoe on desert roads constantly in So. Cal. My ABS is always a problem. Now I know I can just pull the fuse, but why drag around all that hardware if im not using it. Ive already gone conventional on the suspension, and removed all the old hardware.
Im looking to streamline my rig for the environment I live in. That means getting rid of all unnecc. Systems for reliability reasons. A simple vac. Assist braking system works great on my ram, 4runner and F250. It'll be fine on the Hoe. My intent is to create a lighter less fragile truck for pre running the 1000 down south, yet still have it drivable in San Felipe, Ensenada and the rest.
JonnyTahoe
Full Access Member
JonnyTahoe
Full Access Member
Your Brake light stays on now ?
Removing the ABS controller means a lot of replumbing and will net you no additional reliability, pulling the fuse prevents all of the actuators from moving and the fluid just flows to the brakes as any non ABS vehicle would; no loss of reliability. I would also leave the hydroboost, they are as reliable as any power brake system in rough conditions if not more so. The cam in those Vortecs is why they went to hydroboost, more duration netted better performance but it costs vacuum; the hydroboost needs no vacuum to perform.
I convert everything to hydroboost for this reason.
I convert everything to hydroboost for this reason.
Seems reasonable to change out an offroad vehicle to a lighter and less complex system. What is the last year that the trucks used the standard vacuum boost system? Should be easy to do with a donor vehicle. Worst thing will be plumbing in all new brake lines.
I just had a problem with my 2009 Tahoe ABS system that would really be bad for an offroad vehicle LOL.
OK well I have found some very interesting information that might help some GM hybrid and possibly just regular ole GM Truck vehicles with Brake issues.
This is not a vacuum assist system it is a GM Electro-Hydraulic system. There is a supply and return line from the master cylinder reservoir down to the ABS assembly under the truck tucked up beside the frame rail under the drivers seat area. This ABS assembly includes a high pressure pump/accumulator/valve body and a control module. This assy controls all brake boost/Stabiltrac and ABS. There is a control module with solenoids mounted onto this assy that is easily removable and that is what was bad on mine. It had a seal leak at the top and had gotten water inside which over a period of time ruined the solenoids. It had been leaking long enough that the chrome coating on the solenoids had rusted off in some areas!
Apparently GM's ABS Assembly supplier for these particular parts was not real good at making a 100% gasket seal on their parts. Every time you drive in the rain the part is exposed to moisture this is a BIG TIME mess up on the part of the the supplier! Not sure but I think it is a TRW Kelsey-Haynes supplied part?
When I got the old ABS Control module off it had obvious water damage on the solenoid assemblies on the inside. The seal at the top had been leaking for a very long time and destroyed (shorted) the solenoids. I guess the DTC codes are pretty darn accurate LOL.
Apparently this is a common design throughout the GM truck/utility vehicles in the 2008 / 2009 and maybe up to around 2013. The Chances of mine being the only ABS control module with a gasket seal leaking like this is highly unlikely. Probably thousands out on the road with the exact same issue, they will have a brake issue soon if they have not already!
Anyway I found a used 2009 Tahoe Hybrid ABS assembly (entire assembly) at a local junkyard. Bought it today for $256.00 tax included and swapped the ABS control module off it to my valve body. Took less than a hour. Note: I had ordered a new ABS control module from rock auto at $199.00 but canceled that order this morning because I was afraid that I would have to go to the dealer to get it flashed to match the vehicle.
That dealer flash process would have added a lot of time and cost (probably $100.00 min to flash at dealer?) Just be careful to double check your RPO code if a Hybrid it will most likely be a J92 RPO Code for 7,700 lb active brakes. It seems to be very happy coming from a nearly identical Hybrid into mine so no dealer reflash required.
I have driven around for about an hour and all DTC codes and dash lights are out and it drives normally. So far so good, knock on wood.
Got some pics here...........if you want more pics let me know and I will send them to you. I am going to keep the junkyard assembly for a while until I make sure everything is 100%.
Junkyard part tag interesting that is has the donor VIN on tag
Valve body on my Tahoe had to clean the top seal surface
Small hands can reach the bolts easily
Water Contaminated Old Part pulled off today 2-17-2020
Junkyard assy off a 2009 Tahoe Hybrid J92 RPO code part
Another view of the junkyard assy
Part numbers for the water contaminated pc that came off my 2009 Tahoe Hybrid
I just had a problem with my 2009 Tahoe ABS system that would really be bad for an offroad vehicle LOL.
OK well I have found some very interesting information that might help some GM hybrid and possibly just regular ole GM Truck vehicles with Brake issues.
This is not a vacuum assist system it is a GM Electro-Hydraulic system. There is a supply and return line from the master cylinder reservoir down to the ABS assembly under the truck tucked up beside the frame rail under the drivers seat area. This ABS assembly includes a high pressure pump/accumulator/valve body and a control module. This assy controls all brake boost/Stabiltrac and ABS. There is a control module with solenoids mounted onto this assy that is easily removable and that is what was bad on mine. It had a seal leak at the top and had gotten water inside which over a period of time ruined the solenoids. It had been leaking long enough that the chrome coating on the solenoids had rusted off in some areas!
Apparently GM's ABS Assembly supplier for these particular parts was not real good at making a 100% gasket seal on their parts. Every time you drive in the rain the part is exposed to moisture this is a BIG TIME mess up on the part of the the supplier! Not sure but I think it is a TRW Kelsey-Haynes supplied part?
When I got the old ABS Control module off it had obvious water damage on the solenoid assemblies on the inside. The seal at the top had been leaking for a very long time and destroyed (shorted) the solenoids. I guess the DTC codes are pretty darn accurate LOL.
Apparently this is a common design throughout the GM truck/utility vehicles in the 2008 / 2009 and maybe up to around 2013. The Chances of mine being the only ABS control module with a gasket seal leaking like this is highly unlikely. Probably thousands out on the road with the exact same issue, they will have a brake issue soon if they have not already!
Anyway I found a used 2009 Tahoe Hybrid ABS assembly (entire assembly) at a local junkyard. Bought it today for $256.00 tax included and swapped the ABS control module off it to my valve body. Took less than a hour. Note: I had ordered a new ABS control module from rock auto at $199.00 but canceled that order this morning because I was afraid that I would have to go to the dealer to get it flashed to match the vehicle.
That dealer flash process would have added a lot of time and cost (probably $100.00 min to flash at dealer?) Just be careful to double check your RPO code if a Hybrid it will most likely be a J92 RPO Code for 7,700 lb active brakes. It seems to be very happy coming from a nearly identical Hybrid into mine so no dealer reflash required.
I have driven around for about an hour and all DTC codes and dash lights are out and it drives normally. So far so good, knock on wood.
Got some pics here...........if you want more pics let me know and I will send them to you. I am going to keep the junkyard assembly for a while until I make sure everything is 100%.
Junkyard part tag interesting that is has the donor VIN on tag
Valve body on my Tahoe had to clean the top seal surface
Small hands can reach the bolts easily
Water Contaminated Old Part pulled off today 2-17-2020
Junkyard assy off a 2009 Tahoe Hybrid J92 RPO code part
Another view of the junkyard assy
Part numbers for the water contaminated pc that came off my 2009 Tahoe Hybrid
This truck is going to spend its life in the desert and mountains. Im stripping down all the tech crap thats I dont need. If im not using it, why keep all the hardware on my rig getting in the way. Ive learned that when youre in the field everything that can break eventually will. Sorting thru all that crap in 115° heat aint no fun. My Tahoe is losing everything not essential to what im doing. To include air ride, passlock, electric seats, windows and mirrors.
I removed all bulbs that arent nec. For smog.
