Do you pull antilock fuse? Proportioning?

mongrel · February 24, 2004

I read that some people, who don't like the antilock brakes, just pull the fuse to disable it. I wonder if the brakes work perfectly, otherwise, when this is done. Also, is the front-rear proportioning adjustable on this truck, stock? Do you use an aftermarket proportioning valve?

Would you say that there is any need to adjust this when, for example, the bed is loaded to the limit?

Thanks.

carguru · February 25, 2004

I would not recommend trying to disable ABS. You will not be able to react faster than the computer in a panic situation. The truck is not a sports car. Just don't drive it like one and you shouldn't have any problems. Most of the people who claim they don't like ABS tend to overdrive their trucks (late braking, etc). ABS will kick in in some cases where you try to stop over uneven surfaces. Contrary to popular belief, this does not increase the stopping distance. In most cases, this will help you to maintain control of the vehicle.

The proportioning is also done by the ABS module. It takes all of the guesswork out of adjusting it until everything is right.

99-2door · February 25, 2004

Defeating the ABS is rather self defeating.

robsawatsky · February 26, 2004

The previous comments make assumptions that ABS always works they way it is supposed to. As with all things automotive, ABS sometimes doesn't work right - either because of some failure or an actual design flaw. GM has a long history of poor ABS; sticky valves in the controller, pumps that run on-and-on, sensors that go bad readily; all resulting in ABS activating when it shouldn't or not activating when it should.

Personally, I think ABS is a great concept that has not been well executed or proven in the field. The big problem is ABS takes the driver out of the equation (good thing in some cases) when the driver may know better than the ABS what is required.

mongrel · February 26, 2004

carguru-

robsawatsky-

Thanks.

I like to drive slowly on ice and snow, testing for available traction frequently- usually by pressing the gas until the tires spin. Then I know where I stand.

(Once I got out of my car, and was able to push it sideways, by hand!)

In any weather, easy skidding when braking is a very good hint about the surface.

It can be an early alert to a slick surface that was not already expected.

I'm not argueing against antilock brakes, and I'll probably leave them alone. But in most situations, I want to remain within the "envelope" of my own judgement, never *depending on* the ABS. If it will stay out of the way of this, yet still offer a minimum stopping distance in the extreme case, then fine. If it leaves me mindlessly jamming on the pedal, without being able to "feel" the road, then THAT is "stupid".

I'm an old-timer, learning about antilock brakes, and about new Chevys. Whether or not Chevy has done it well, we'll see.

99silveradoz71 · February 26, 2004

If it will stay out of the way of this, yet still offer a minimum stopping distance in the extreme case, then fine. If it leaves me mindlessly jamming on the pedal, without being able to "feel" the road, then THAT is "stupid".
I'm an old-timer, learning about antilock brakes, and about new Chevys. Whether or not Chevy has done it well, we'll see.

Just note that ABS is designed to allow controlled braking, not necessarily shorter stopping distances.

GM GIMP · February 27, 2004

Most ABS systems will disable themselves if you pump the

brake pedal a couple times.

99GoldSilverado · February 27, 2004

My ABS module died last summer. Had to drive with the fuse removed for a few days. I do not recommend it. Brakes felt very spongy and soft.

Besides that, the ABS and Check Brake lights on the dash stay lit and that is very annoying.

tmf6902 · February 27, 2004

It's physics....although as someone metioned it assumes the system is working correctly.....here is a webpage where someone did the math for me.

Scroll down to 2b in the summary secton

Static friction vs. kinetic friction

Here's the answer as quoted from the website in a nutshell

Antilock brakes need 90% of the distance of regular brakes to stop a car traveling at the same speed. This decrease in distance is certainly significant, but doesn't really seem all that great given the high cost of an ABS. In addition to reduced braking distance, however, antilock braking systems also increase performance during extreme braking. Locked brakes are useless for steering. ABS ensures that the wheels retain their static frictional grip on the road, which allows for maneuvering while braking in an emergency.

so the way I understand it....eveyone is sorta right....they do shorten the stopping distance....they do allow you to steer better.....if it's working right

sschevyz71 · February 28, 2004

good info

JamesB · February 28, 2004

I really don't understand why anybody would want to disable the anti-lock system. Mine sure worked!

Thought I would throw this in...

[My Story]

My truck was only a few weeks old when I was towing my smoker to do a company BBQ. Just a few blocks from the house, 35 Mph on a 4 lane road. Coming into an intersection, I've got a green light. Small import car, beat to Sh!t with plastic and duct tape for rear and pssg side windows is in the left turn lane. I'm maybe 100 feet away when he decideds he doesn't want to turn left no more, turns right, into my lane! Yikes! cars on my right. Can't change lanes, can't swerve into on coming traffic. Stand on the brakes and with the anti-lock help, avoid a collision.

James.