1991 Buick LeSabre Dynaride from North America - Comments

The A.B.S. light on the dash came on when I first bought the car, and the brakes would lockup while driving. I didn't have to touch the brakes for them to lockup. Took it to the Buick dealer and was informed that a wheel sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced, but they could not be confident that the sensor was the only problem. The M.O.T.require a safety check before a car is sold, however the A.B.S. is not covered on the safty check. By the way, I was told by the service consultant at the dealership that it may cost me as much as $3000.00 to fix the brakes.

I love my Buick, and if I could afford it I would fix it in a heart beat. I am on disability and even $100.00 is a lot of $$. Is there anyway to disconnect the A.B.S. system so I can continue to drive my car without having to go bankrupt?

The ABS system has its own computer. You could disable it by pulling its fuse. Or, you could disconnect the ABS brake fluid circulator motor (not using the correct terminology here) which will leave no way for the brakes to actuate themselves. Your brakes will work just like normal brakes; you just will no longer have anti-lock. Just remember though, if you need to make a panic stop, stop on a slippery surface, etc, will have to pump the brakes, as you would do normally, in a non-antilock brake equipped car. The tires WILL be allowed to lock with the system disconnected.

By the way, the person who quoted you 3000.00 to fix those brakes was very disreputable. Even if they had to replace practically every brake system component on the car, it should not be 3000.00. Working on cars is not rocket science. I do not know who these people think they are. This insane pricing for everything has to stop. Sorry you had to deal with that nonsense.

Three thousand for brakes??? You are getting ripped off BIG time.

I calculated a complete brake job for my 91 LeSabre would cost me 200.00 dollars. (CDN) that's EVERYTHING. The labour is done by me.

Take it to another shop. Complete brakes SHOULD NOT cost more than 800-1000 dollars. Less if it does not need new brake lines. If its just pads, rotors, drums, shoes. Then it absolutly should not cost more than 300-400 bucks.

As for the ABS fuse. It is hidden under the dash, and EASY to get at. Look at the headlight and dome light switches. Now, open the door, and look beside it. You should see 2 black screws. Turn them, and they will spring out. Now, just pry the cover off, and voila! The fuse panel! Easy?

Hello fellow buick owner (s), I think that the mechanic was including the "ABS Computer Module" in the cost. But still, I would get a second opinion. Never trust a mechanic that can't pinpoint the problem. Usually guys like that take you for a ride and are crooks. Good luck.