'04 GS with busted brake servo - best options

Brooklyn

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I changed the pads, did not need to bleed them. Everything was fine for 5 mls, then the warning lights came on. No servo, I guess no ABS either.

Does it mean the servo is fooked or is it to do with the pad replacement. Hey, maybe it just to do with the pads and it needs a little knowledgeable attention. :augie

If it is US, what are the options, most seem to go for removal. I have to say this has been the most expensive bike I have ever owned.

31K mls, output shaft oil seal, replacement engine at 30K and now this...

Thanks Brook...:)
 
Servoectomy,

but you need to keep the electronics connected and do a dash mod ...

do a search ;)


There may be a way round that, but i need a low ZFE to confirm

Mart
 
Research it fully before you go down the route ..

I'm not qualified to say if it works, or is suitable..

That's down to you ;)

Do a web search :)

:)
 
oviousley there is a question over the replacement of the psds. I'd be looking at the ABS rings on the wheels and the wires to the sensors maby give the sensors a clean but I think you are looking at servo removal if that dosent work. Its a very sucessful and relatavely easy job to do. There are a few sellors doing a reconditioned unit but do some reserch/sums as its a 13 year old bike. I had a non ABS model and I never had a moment with the brakes. JJH
 
Just a thought.
I removed my front wheel one time and had removed the ABS sensor. Next time out, the light came on.
I hadn't seated the sensor back into position fully and it was a few thou too far out.
Just seems like a coincidence it would fail because you've changed the pads and might be worth checking before spending money.
 
I would first check the obvious:
- end switches for the brake handle and paddle
- have you accidentally dislocated/damaged the ABS-sensor(s)/cables
- How is your battery doing (the servo ABS is reported to react to weak batteries)

If that does not help, I would change the brake fluid in all circuits/flush the ABS

Next I would ride to the dealer to have them read the failure(s) stored in the ECU.

If you ABS unit is toast, you can send it for repair/overhaul, buy a new or used unit or convert to non-ABS
 
If you don't like the servo brakes and are happy to loose your ABS then you can consider removing it. To me it just seems a little rash to assume the worst and rush in to rip it all out without checking for possible causes. When I started working on cars 40 odd years ago the best advice I got was to always start with the simple things. It was amazing how many times that advice came up trumps (if we can use that phrase anymore!) Can you get a diagnostic machine plugged into the beast? Might save a lot of work. Have you checked the front wheel sensor? Is there any chance you might have disturbed it or its wiring? If the 1200 system is anything like that on my 1150 then pushing the pads back puts the fluid level up in the servo unit. Have you check levels?

I like to know what has gone wrong and to me just ripping out the servo and ABS is a bit like buying a new car because the ash tray is full in the one you have!

John
 
The Grey One said:
If you don't like the servo brakes and are happy to loose your ABS then you can consider removing it. To me it just seems a little rash to assume the worst and rush in to rip it all out without checking for possible causes. When I started working on cars 40 odd years ago the best advice I got was to always start with the simple things. It was amazing how many times that advice came up trumps (if we can use that phrase anymore!) Can you get a diagnostic machine plugged into the beast? Might save a lot of work. Have you checked the front wheel sensor? Is there any chance you might have disturbed it or its wiring? If the 1200 system is anything like that on my 1150 then pushing the pads back puts the fluid level up in the servo unit. Have you check levels?

I like to know what has gone wrong and to me just ripping out the servo and ABS is a bit like buying a new car because the ash tray is full in the one you have!

John
Click to expand...

Thanks, yes I will check all out. First, I am amazed no one has started re conning these units.. Clearly they are not fit for purpose.as failure almost writes the machine off..
 
Brooklyn said:
Thanks, yes I will check all out. First, I am amazed no one has started re conning these units.. Clearly they are not fit for purpose.as failure almost writes the machine off..
Click to expand...

You can buy reconditioned units. I said that a few posts ago. Just don't jump in till you have done some research/sums. And check out my other advice and other posters advice. JJH
 
JJH said:
You can buy reconditioned units. I said that a few posts ago.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure that you were right either time though? ABS 2 can be reconditioned. I don't think the earlier servo ABS can be, which is why so many people do a servoectomy as an alternative to buying a new servo unit.
 
The later ABS module can be refurbed - cost about £200-£250 ish if i recall

The early ABS/Servo assist module is i believe non serviceable (unless your the oem of the unit ;) )

Hence the servoectomy,

although its not a perfect work round, as you need to have the electronic parts of the unit still connected and then do a brief bit of display work ;)

Interestingly, the early bikes were offered in a non ABS/Servo configuration so normal non assisted brakes are possible.

And they don't throw error messages on the dash ;)

Mart
 
Brooklyn said:
Thanks, yes I will check all out. First, I am amazed no one has started re conning these units.. Clearly they are not fit for purpose.as failure almost writes the machine off..
Click to expand...

If someone is offering reconditioned units they have to supply a warranty.
And the servo/abs units are so unreliable i expect they'd end up losing money having to replace the re-con units :D .

Do as already suggested, have the fault codes read and then take it from there..
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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