P38 ABS removal? Just wondered if it's been done.

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
JeremyAldermartenQC

JeremyAldermartenQC

Member
Posts
27
Location
Lincolnshire
The P38 braking system is new to me. The ABS system is integrated with the master cylinder and power assistance. Has anyone ever removed the whole system and replaced it with a conventional master cylinder and vacuum servo. I appreciate that an exhauster pump or vacuum pump would be required to do this on a diesel. I just wondered!
 
I have seen it done when people have done big engine changes (guy in the US who squeezed in a HMMWV engine) and pretty much just turned it into a glamours Defender with a big ol' engine.

It is doable, for sure. But you'd be a pioneer doing it. Since I can't imagine many have.
 
It merely occurred to me that the braking system is just another P38 complication like the air suspension, the BECM and HEVAC. If I'm honest, I'd like the car better without all that gubbins! Mine is on springs, at least. I'm aware that for some, that is a ruination of the vehicle. I suppose that whichever you have, springs or air, you are going to favour it, until you get fed-up and fit springs!:)
 
I would think it would be unsafe to do as its a big heavy motor that when you what it to stop you need it to and with out the abs it will just lock up them your in a world of pain, i have had to do an emergancy stop on the outside lane of the m6 and was mighty glad it worked and worked well.
the system is very good and not that troublesome.
 
brianp38dse said:
I would think it would be unsafe to do as its a big heavy motor that when you what it to stop you need it to and with out the abs it will just lock up them your in a world of pain, i have had to do an emergancy stop on the outside lane of the m6 and was mighty glad it worked and worked well.
the system is very good and not that troublesome.
Click to expand...
Can the P38 be fitted with a starting handle?:rolleyes:
 
Europa486 said:
It wouldn’t pass a MOT as it would be massively changed from the original type certified spec,
Likewise insurance if you where honest would also be a problem,
Click to expand...
You are quite right on a point of law. Good point. Wait a minute! I thought you were talking about removing the electric starting! You can remove ABS on vehicles up to 2010. I do wonder if an MOT tester could refuse a test without electric starting!
 
Last edited:
brianp38dse said:
I would think it would be unsafe to do as its a big heavy motor that when you what it to stop you need it to and with out the abs it will just lock up them your in a world of pain, i have had to do an emergancy stop on the outside lane of the m6 and was mighty glad it worked and worked well.
the system is very good and not that troublesome.
Click to expand...
Isn't ABS fitted for a reason as per example
 
Certainly it is there for a reason. It makes it possible to steer around an obstruction whilst braking heavily, for example, even on wet roads. Before it existed, it was necessary to cadence-brake manually to avoid wheel lock-up and loss of control. That wasn't easy and was certainly less effective. Some of us oldies felt that we coped quite happily without it, however. There is some evidence that the more safety devices one has on a vehicle, the less carefully it will be driven, because drivers start to feel invulnerable. Risk compensation.
 
JeremyAldermartenQC said:
The P38 braking system is new to me. The ABS system is integrated with the master cylinder and power assistance. Has anyone ever removed the whole system and replaced it with a conventional master cylinder and vacuum servo. I appreciate that an exhauster pump or vacuum pump would be required to do this on a diesel. I just wondered!
Click to expand...
If that is a serious question, it is mechanically possible, but a lot of hassle, and illegal, as has been pointed out.

If you really want a Range Rover without ABS and other gubbins, the easiest way to go would be to seek out one of the original 3.5 petrols, which are much simpler.
A decent example will probably be quite expensive, but they don't have much gubbins, and the older ones can now be registered as Historic Vehicles, saving considerably on running costs.
 
JeremyAldermartenQC said:
Certainly it is there for a reason. It makes it possible to steer around an obstruction whilst braking heavily, for example, even on wet roads. Before it existed, it was necessary to cadence-brake manually to avoid wheel lock-up and loss of control. That wasn't easy and was certainly less effective. Some of us oldies felt that we coped quite happily without it, however.
Click to expand...
I'm an oldy and appreciate the assistance of ABS especially with slower reaction time and dodgy knees:D:D
 
It is legal to remove ABS from vehicles built up to 2010. The insurer should be informed. All components must be removed with the exception of parts integral to other essential parts, such as reluctor rings. I'm not planning to do it, however.:)
 
Their are some people who ask really silly questions on here from time to time. If you want really basic get a series 1 or even a wartime Jeep that the series 1 was copied from.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Brake servo on a 2A Diesel ?
Replies
11
Views
702
grewth
G
W
Brakes require pumping!
Replies
9
Views
673
Anaconda
A
T
P38A P38 DSE Manual (non-EGR) No turbo boost
Replies
7
Views
659
Grrrrrr
Grrrrrr
J
1996 Defender 90 300 tdi - Houston we have lift-off - Oh Dear No We Don't :( 'Lift Out'
Replies
10
Views
1K
v8250
v8250
N
Help - 2.4 TDCI Brakes Problem
Replies
8
Views
2K
nickc
N
Back
Top