Repairing an ABS Main Relay

[noz]

Hi all,

Its been a while since any self help files were produced. I've photographed a number of repairs but never got around to turning them into self helps. Therefore I thought I'd pick an easy one to get started.

My ABS light came on a few months ago and I thought it would be a wheel sensor since that is the most common cause. However, in this case the main power relay for the ABS had failed. I didn't have a spare relay and there was none offered for sale when I was looking at the time. Therefore I decided to have a go at repairing the relay. The attached self help documents the repair of the relay using donated parts from another one.

Any questions, just ask.

Cheers

noz

This post has been edited by noz on September 04, 2012 01:47 pm

[xmexclusive]

Hi Noz

Do you have a photo that shows the ABS diode that is included in the relay case?
This is the bit that makes the relays non standard and expensive.
The though of using an external diode and a standard relay crossed my mind.

It is also worth mentioning that this relay is found just in front of the engine bay fuse box.
It was fitted to XM's with Teves Mk4 ABS (ORGA 6741 to approx 7500).

After this Teves Mk20 ABS was fitted with a different component layout.

John

This post has been edited by xmexclusive on September 07, 2012 11:29 am

[noz]

Hi John,

It was over a year ago that I did that job. I just got around to doing the Self-help file now. From the depest recesses of my memory I seem to recall that the diode was soldered between the legs of the spade connectors just above the base of the relay. In which case I may not have had to replace it since the part which had corroded and failed was the coil assembly. However, even if I did replace it, it would have been with one form my spares box and access to it would have been afforded in the process of removing the coil assembly which gives clear access to the components below when removed from the relay.

If I get some time after lunch I'll remove the relay from the car and take the lid off. Hopefully what I see will make my memory a little clearer.

Cheers

noz