so i bought this '97 3.0CL knowing it has an ABS issue. the ABS unit in the front left of the engine bay seems to be leaking. it leaves a tiny puddle on the ground from that point, and there's definitely fluid under the unit in the engine bay. i was told by the dealer it would cost $2000 to fix. the previous owner of the car said the dealer quoted $1400. this sounded insane to me, so i took the car with a huge cut below KBB, because i found a couple parts CL's in the area. but does anybody have any info on this kind of leak? i was told there was a service bulletin describing this issue.

 

I don't know about the 3L CL, but the 2.2CL has a TSB to remove, clean, re-seat, and torque about 9 body plugs. I did this on my daughter's 97 2.2CL and it stopped the leaks. I'm pretty sure the modulator on the 3L CL is a different unit, but could have same problem.

I've also had the accumulator/modulator oring seal leak fluid.

Even if the problem is not repairable, you can replace the modulator w/ a used unit. I found modulators readily available for < $100. Check car-part.com for modulators near you, and go by and check them out. Replacement is easy (2.2CL), but you do need a 10mm flare tubing wrench to loosen the hydraulic tubing from the modulator. If you try to use a 10mm open end, you'll round them off. Guess how I know!

Buy a Accord or Acura Shop Manual to get the details of your ABS modulator.

good luck

 

good deal, this fix is sounding easier and easier. i'll be pulling the unit tonight after work... lucklily, having owned a nissan for six years, i'm used to extensive maintenance and have a lot of specialty tools, including flare nut wrenches

 

Just did a search on car-part.com for your car. Looks like the modulator must be the same one as the 2.2CL, since these cars are donors to yours. This means the body plugs solution should be applicable. PM me w/ your email address and I'll email the TSB I have. There are some plugs you're not supposed to torque.

Funny, how used modulator prices range from $1000 -$40. I guess some shops must occasionally find someone desparate enough to pay a huge premium for a used modulator, since even at that price it's a lot cheaper than the OEM replacement part.

Check ebay also for used modulators.

good luck

 

it's looking like i can't use PM's yet. please just email it to [email ]removed[/email ], thanks a lot for the help!