96 850 GLT ABS Module Removal

joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 23 Oct 2013, 20:28

I got the exchange ABS module from MidWest. Three of the bolts came off very easily. The fourth, lower right, is a bear. The head was corroded and the torx spun. I tried cutting a slot with my Foredom tool, that didnt work. After a lot of Mother of Pearls, I stopped for the night. Anyone have suggestions on getting the bolt out?

I'm thinking of trying to fish the Foredom flex shaft up from the bottom of the car and try that with a carbide cutter. Then just grind slowly until the head is off. The Foredom will cut through anything, but I don't want to damage the core for the return.

Any other suggestions? Working with a mirror is hard for that bolt.

Post by **erikv11** » 23 Oct 2013, 21:01

I did exactly this on the first one I ever removed. I don't think it was so much that it was my first time, as it just had a really rusted out head back there.

I ground off the bolt head as you are suggesting, seems to best solution. Still damaged the module some, Midwest took it anyway. But Matt can't sell it if the damage is too bad, in which case he can't take it back, so move ahead carefully.

The other thing I did was throw out the torx head bolts, picked up some standard hex head in the same dimensions as replacements.

joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 24 Oct 2013, 03:54

Erik, did you work from the bottom or the top? I was wondering if taking the wheel off gives more access from the bottom? or lean down from the top, with the flex shaft fished up from the bottom? I didnt take the air box off, it didnt seem like it would make a difference.

I did buy stainless steel cap head screws from McMasterCarr and will use those as the replacement.

Post by **erikv11** » 24 Oct 2013, 09:18

I worked from the top and it was a pain. I would take out the airbox it may add some convenience if not any actual room. But if I had to do it again I would also try your idea from the bottom, given how poorly I did from the top.

joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 24 Oct 2013, 09:27

I picked up an end cut carbide bur, and will try that. Fortunately the screws are mild steel, with better access theyd be off in seconds

joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 25 Oct 2013, 12:54

I got the old ABS unit out.

At my wife's suggestion, she said why dont you use the Ramps I bought you, I worked from under the car. The access is much better in my opinion for the lower screws. I was able to reach up with my Foredom Flex shaft tool, with a carbide bur, and grind the screw head off.

Anyone who is thinking of doing the swap: if the screws come out easily, this is a very simple job. If your going to try this job, I suggest you spend a few dollars, buy an E4 torx, and try and loosen all the screws before ordering the replacement module. If they come off, replace with new screws, order the module, and you'll be done in less than an hour. If one of the heads strip, then you are in for some frustration. Judge for yourself if its within your tools and ability. I replaced the screws with socket head cap screws from McMaster Carr, good stainless steel, that should hold up well, and the socket cap allows easy access with a ball driver.

My ABS light is off and TRACS works! thanks Matt.

dieyoung1 · Post by **dieyoung1** » 27 Oct 2017, 06:51

I wish I would have read this post before buying the module from Midwest. I had an issue with the bolts and my mechanic couldn't remove the bolts from the top. When I took it to a shop and the amount they wanted was insane. I did do my research about removal and did not see any discussion about difficulty in removal. Matt and Midwest was great about giving me a refund. If I had read these post I would be in a better position today. I've learned that I might need to research trouble issues when changing parts.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Oct 2017, 11:08

We have a thread where those bolts are sourced and part numbers are identified, too.

stand by....

search ABSMODULE MCMASTER and find this thread - the ABSMODULE defeats the three letter search ignore feature

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=60808

kaneelschep · Post by **kaneelschep** » 27 Oct 2017, 13:17

If your going to try this job, I suggest you spend a few dollars, buy an E4 torx,

The first thing I bought when I got this car was a complete set of torx sockets.. You cant do anything without them.