check this out. there was a leak coming from my abs unit, not sure where. i pull it out to torque down whatever bolts require torquing according to the service bulletin, and find this crap around the base of the accumulator.

edit: i know it looks wet like it's leaking, but everything is dry. it's just glossy crap, whatever it is.

 

The gelantinous material is some type of sealant that put around the base of the accumulator. It breaks down with brake fluid contact, and forms goo that you see. Brake fluids also damage the paint finish underneath the ABS so clean body thoroughly w/ soap and water.

It sounds like you have the TSB for tightening the body plugs in the modulator. If not, PM your email address and I'll forward.

However, you could have a leak between the accumulator and modulator. That's where the sealant seam you questioned is located. There is an oring that seals the accumulator to the modulator. If you've bled all the accumulator pressure w/ the bleeder on top of the modulator, you can remove the accumulator and replace the oring. Honda/Acura does not sell the oring as a part, but I managed to match at a local auto parts store. Use some oring lubricant to re-install such as nylog or silicone grease.

You should get a 10 mm flare tubing wrench to install the tubing nuts. It prevents round-off which may have occurred on removal. Open end wrenches are just not enough for these tight nuts. Dress any damaged nuts w/ a file and they should be OK.

good luck

PS: If you can't seal this modulator, they are readily available as used parts for < $100. Check car-part.com. The 94-97 Accords and Acura CL's are donors to this vehicle, so plenty of parts available.

 

in the second pic, you can see a brand new set of craftsman flare nut wrenches... i almost destroyed one of the nuts with my old set from harbor freight yesterday >.<
but yeah, how does the accumulator come off? there seems to be a hex on the top like an oil filter... does it just twist off?
much appreciated!

 

The accumulator releases from bottom side of modulator. A bolt or nut retains the accumulator. Note, be sure you have bled the pressure at the topside bleeder before loosening the accumulator. There's 2-3 ksi of pressure in the accumulator if it's fully charged w/ fluid.

I didn't recognize the flare nut wrenches in the box. Looks like an open end lying on the floor, so I assumed it was one of the set in the box. I have a cheap set of flare nut wrenches (Calhawk I think), probably same as your harbor freight set, but they have worked well for me.

Interested to hear how your repairs go.

Good Luck

 

i see your problem right away in the first pic......

you're drinking Busch

 

i keep busch and busch light in my garage fridge, for working on the car and mowing the lawn. it's the official blue collar beer. only bud select in the house, though

 

update: good thing i stopped buying harbor freight junk... just snapped a craftsman hex socket torquing down one of these plugs. i got ONE tightened to spec, and on the second one it snapped.at this rate i'll be going up to sears five times tonight.