R1150GS Brake Failure

[philandktb]

Here we are roasting our nuts off in Perth WA having shipped our bikes from the UK for a 12 month tour - 41 degrees of heat has led to ABS brake failure on my 1150GS. Dealer diagnostic has told me the Modulator has failed on the rear brake system which doesn't activate the servo and the ABS warning light is flashing madly at 4hz and the Warning Triangle light remains on. Still have front brake servo but at times this has failed and has caused me heart failure.
Dealer tells me we need a new Modulator but at enormous price in Oz.
Anyone know what a new unit from UK will cost???
or any ideas what to do??? Is ABS bypass an option??? If so what does one need to do it??? Please no suggestions about surf boards, camper vans or UTE's!!!

 

[Coolcarbon]

Here we are roasting our nuts off in Perth WA having shipped our bikes from the UK for a 12 month tour - 41 degrees of heat has led to ABS brake failure on my 1150GS. Dealer diagnostic has told me the Modulator has failed on the rear brake system which doesn't activate the servo and the ABS warning light is flashing madly at 4hz and the Warning Triangle light remains on. Still have front brake servo but at times this has failed and has caused me heart failure.
Dealer tells me we need a new Modulator but at enormous price in Oz.
Anyone know what a new unit from UK will cost???
or any ideas what to do??? Is ABS bypass an option??? If so what does one need to do it??? Please no suggestions about surf boards, camper vans or UTE's!!!

There are a few threads on here regarding the removal of the servo. A 'Search' should throw them up.

 

[judge]

Search using the term servoectomy

There are many examples of bikes that have had this done, you lose both servo and ABS but you are left with very effective conventional brakes.

Shouldn't cost the earth to do but I'm talking about an independent tech, I'd be surprised if an MBW dealer would offer it.

Had this done to my RT and it work brilliantly (one of the few things that did)!!

 

[MikeO]

Here's the link:

Servoectomy

Shame about the timing - I am going to remove the (serviceable) Servo/ABS from my 1150 Adv in the next few weeks...

Mike

 

[Madmountainman]

You have PM.

 

[philandktb]

Abs Brake Failure.

A couple of BMW Club members here have suggested a change of brake fluid and clearing out the modulator. I have bled out some fluid from the rear caliper and its a bit dirty. Only 2 years old/2.5k miles. Doubt the dealer here will oblige having said they will only do a full replacement and no tinkering to try and clear the fault. Any ideas what is involved in replacing the modulator fluid and bleeding out the system. I feel that some fresh juice may improve the problem and then reset the fault memory???

 

[The Grey One]

A couple of BMW Club members here have suggested a change of brake fluid and clearing out the modulator. I have bled out some fluid from the rear caliper and its a bit dirty. Only 2 years old/2.5k miles. Doubt the dealer here will oblige having said they will only do a full replacement and no tinkering to try and clear the fault. Any ideas what is involved in replacing the modulator fluid and bleeding out the system. I feel that some fresh juice may improve the problem and then reset the fault memory???

If it's a servo ABS bike then it really is not that hard. You have to remove the tank to gain access to the bleeds on the servo/ABS unit. Do a search on here and you should find instructions as to the correct order to bleed the system. With the ignition on the servo motors do the work-just don't let it run low on fluid. I replaced all the brake lines which obviously means a complete change of fluid and bleed. The whole job took just under 2.5 hours. About 1 hour for bleeding sounds about right-despite what dealers might tell you.

John

 

[philandktb]

Located an independent BMW specialist here in Perth - checked everything out with the diagnostic equipment, pulled everything apart and confirmed modulator failure probable electronic sensor operating the rear brake ABS motor within the unit. Looks like we will be going for a bypass and be done with it. Will update you with the progress and effect.

 

[John RTW]

Keep an eye out for a dirty white battered R1150 GSA. Only 2 roads here on this little island, one for laps and one through the middle as a short cut

 

[philandktb]

ABS Brake failure

Thanks all! Now up and running after Modulator ByPass. 300 pounds poorer but we're back on the road. Why did BMW fit those bloody awful ABS linked brake system modulators in the first place??? Brakes very well without.

 

[mandon]

lucky you....i dished out about US$3k for the unit and installation