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

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Just to set the record straight, I'm not removing the ABS on my RR, but I was curious to know if anyone had. The starting handle idea was a joke against myself as someone who does prefer simple machinery. I used to start my Vanden Plas 3-litre straight six on the handle, but that had an 8.3:1 compression! I can see that a two-ton RR pulling a heavy unbraked trailer does need strong brakes with plenty of assistance, which is presumably why LR chose to fit the Wabco system. The system seems to be very reliable and durable, but the cost of NEW parts for it is extremely high (as it can be for other ABS systems), such that it is hard to imagine anyone using new parts unless their RR was still quite valuable. I realise, of course, that if I wanted something simple, I shouldn't have bought a 20 year-old P38! I'm getting 26mpg which is quite pleasing for local use in winter. I'll try not to ask 'silly' questions in future!
 
A P38 braking system without power assistance is deadly you need both feet to stop it on a level piece of road at 10mph.

The wabco system is perfectly reliable, so long as the pressure accumulator isn't fubar and with the system in optimal condition the brakes are quite good..
much better than the brakes on my D2. ;)
 
A P38 braking system without power assistance is deadly you need both feet to stop it on a level piece of road at 10mph.

The wabco system is perfectly reliable, so long as the pressure accumulator isn't fubar and with the system in optimal condition the brakes are quite good..
much better than the brakes on my D2. ;)
Yes, I had heard about the effect of pressure failure! I certainly wasn't contemplating a RR without assistance, but perhaps with a conventional combined vacuum servo and master cylinder, such as that fitted to a Discovery 2.
 
Yes, I had heard about the effect of pressure failure! I certainly wasn't contemplating a RR without assistance, but perhaps with a conventional combined vacuum servo and master cylinder, such as that fitted to a Discovery 2.
Any conversion would be quite complex and to be fair if you're capable of doing such a job why ditch the better brakes the only thing to worry about is the pressure accumulator which is shared with the Wabco system on the XJ40 if the pump is running after every pedal depression then that is an indicator that it the accumulator needs replacement

The D2's brakes aren't brilliant i'd say they're 1/2 as good as the P38's especially if you have cheap pads.
 
Mine are working very well, and the pump is doing what it should. I've been trying to get a solution to the ABS light being on in another thread and I'm still working on it when time and the weather (the weather!) permits. Thanks for your helpful comments.
 
Nice to know that some folks at least recall the name starting handle, even if some don't know it's purpose ;)
Seriously though I'd buy a simpler motor rather than interfere with factory spec. critical components.
Of course you could always buy a proper RR, like a Classic :rolleyes:
I'll get my coat !
 
Nice to know that some folks at least recall the name starting handle, even if some don't know it's purpose ;)
Seriously though I'd buy a simpler motor rather than interfere with factory spec. critical components.
Of course you could always buy a proper RR, like a Classic :rolleyes:
I'll get my coat !
I had a RRC unfortunately 40% of it was missing :confused::D

well after a good wirebrushing and a few pokes with a screwdriver :eek:
 
Nice to know that some folks at least recall the name starting handle, even if some don't know it's purpose ;)
Seriously though I'd buy a simpler motor rather than interfere with factory spec. critical components.
Of course you could always buy a proper RR, like a Classic :rolleyes:
I'll get my coat !
I had several motors with starting handles in my younger days, one I remember was a Rover P4 100, that was missing the battery and starter motor,
went to look at it armed with a battery, started it with the handle and drove it away...for £50, picked up a starter motor from a breakers a couple of days later for iirc £8,
Happy Days:)
 
If you want abs removed why not disable it. The question should be vacuum versus hydraulic pump system. Didn’t classic have vacuum, and then after P38 LR reverted to vacuum on L322 ?

P38 system works well, but maybe too complex for LR grunts to service?
 
If you want abs removed why not disable it. The question should be vacuum versus hydraulic pump system. Didn’t classic have vacuum, and then after P38 LR reverted to vacuum on L322 ?

P38 system works well, but maybe too complex for LR grunts to service?
why,classic had the same system as p38 when it came to abs
 
If you want abs removed why not disable it. The question should be vacuum versus hydraulic pump system. Didn’t classic have vacuum, and then after P38 LR reverted to vacuum on L322 ?

P38 system works well, but maybe too complex for LR grunts to service?

The L322, L494, Disco 2 and Disco 3 all used vacuum servos. Disabling the ABS should result in an MOT fail. Removing it on a P38 means replacing the whole brake application system. The Wabco system is great just as long as it keeps working or affordable s/h parts can be used. The pump, in particular, is very easy to access and work on. New parts are so disproportionate to the value of my vehicle that I could not regard it as a reasonable investment!
 
Out to get the papers this morning in the white stuff, had to brake a bit hard for a couple of deer crossing :eek:. ABS ticking away, doing its thing, kept it straight and pulled up quick.:)
The other thing in this weather is traction control which is dependent on the ABS.
 
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