The average price of ABS accumulator replacement cost for most vehicles on the road today is between $357 and $378, while the cost of the parts is the most expensive component, priced at around $280. The total price of labor is between $78 and $98, with the total procedure typically taking less than 60 minutes. Although this average price range does not include taxes and fees, most owners can expect to pay less than $400 for this crucial repair!
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Before drivers can expect to pay the total ABS accumulator replacement cost without asking any questions, they need to know the importance of this mechanism in their vehicle. We will go over the ABS accumulator’s function, the ABS system’s function in cars, and the ABS accumulator’s diagnostic steps.
What is the ABS?
The ABS, or the anti-lock brake system, is designed to keep every person in the car as safe as possible. The anti-lock braking system keeps the wheels in motion while driving at highway speeds and keeps tire traction on the street while accelerating, turning, braking, and cornering on slippery or wet surfaces.
Although your car may not have any trouble in dry conditions, wetness adds another element to driving. Even though you may think that you are in control, the weather is uncontrollable – and can add a wrench into the mix. Paying for the ABS accumulator replacement cost can influence the ABS as a whole, helping keep you and your passengers safe and alive.
In addition, the ABS works together with the traction control system. The traction control, or the TCS, simultaneously interacts with the electronic stability control, dynamic stability, and ABS to help detect any incidents of traction loss while driving. By coming together, many issues in the safety system can be remedied quicker before the ABS accumulator replacement cost skyrockets.
Let’s see how the ABS accumulator functions within the ABS and why this mechanism is crucial to the safety and performance of your car during inclement weather.
What is the ABS accumulator?
The ABS uses various components to slow down the vehicle during instances of safety concerns, keep the passengers safe in the event of an accident, and stop a vehicle while driving on slippery roads to prevent sliding and loss of traction control. The ABS is a form of braking assistance, helping slow and stop the vehicle by controlling brake fluid and brake pad pressure.
The ABS uses a specialized pump motor to pressurize brake fluid inside the ABS modulator. In your car, the ABS modulator analyzes the speed sensor’s speed data to apply the correct pressure amounts to each wheel. By changing the tire pressure based on the current conditions, the modulator can prevent your vehicle from skidding. If you notice any issues with the ABS modulator, you can expect a higher ABS accumulator replacement cost.
Along with the ABS modulator, the ABS stores the pressurized brake fluid to keep the brake fluid pump from straining and running every time the brakes are pressed. By preventing constant tension and presses, you can refrain from excessive brake wear and tear. Any damage to the brake pads, brake pumps, and brake fluid can cause a higher ABS accumulator replacement cost.
How does the ABS accumulator function?
Now that we know the importance of the ABS and the ABS accumulator, we need to know how the accumulator works in your vehicle. The job of the accumulator is to provide high-pressure brake fluid and monitor the braking system’s functions. Suppose the brake fluid pressure sensor notices a lack of liquid, overheating, excess friction, and other durability concerns. In that case, it will alert the driver by using the ABS light and other dashboard warning lights.
If you find that the ABS and brake warning lights illuminate on your dashboard when the brakes are pressed, this indicates a concern with the ABS accumulator and the safety system. These lights can remain illuminated while driving, flash on and off, or only come on during start-up or shut down of the vehicle.
At this point, ABS fault codes are stored in the interior diagnostics section of your car to determine the root cause of the safety issue and the overall ABS accumulator replacement cost. Analyzing the faulty part responsible for the fault codes can help you pinpoint and narrow down the average replacement cost.
Symptoms of a Faulty ABS Accumulator
As we know, the ABS accumulator’s function is to provide high-pressure brake fluid when needed to prevent skidding, sliding, and unsafe driving conditions during tough weather. The brake fluid pressure sensor works with the ABS to alert the driver when the brake fluid pressure is too high, any issues when the brakes are pressed, or any safety concerns present in the ABS.
If the lights remain illuminated while you are driving or turn off immediately after you let up on the brakes, this is a sign that you could be headed towards a high ABS accumulator replacement cost.
Is it safe to drive with a faulty ABS accumulator?
Some parts of your car are relatively peripheral and aid in the seriousness and comfort of the car. Like the engine and transmission, other parts need to be working correctly to operate the car correctly. With the ABS accumulator, you need this part to function at the correct level in order for the brakes to respond to the driver’s mechanical pressure.
After driving your car for a long time, whether for hours, weeks, or months, the driver will soon become accustomed to the vehicle’s natural ways and how it moves on the road. Like the ABS or the ABS accumulator, sudden changes to the safety features can cause the driver to react strangely to the new dashboard warning lights and safety system.
However, that being said, if you find you have adapted to the new ABS and the dashboard lights in your car without concern, the brakes will still function accordingly with a damaged ABS accumulator. Unfortunately, if you drive during inclement weather, like prolonged snow or rain, the extra safety features, like pressurized brake fluid, will not work to prevent skidding and sliding.
How often should I replace the ABS accumulator?
Luckily for car owners, the failure of the ABS accumulator is quite rare. This part does not succumb to extreme wear and tear like brake pads, seals, and gaskets, but can be the victim of a lack of lubrication and excess friction in the ABS.
However, over time, the ABS accumulator can lose pressure in the container due to corrosion, debris build-up, seal damage, or physical trauma that requires the ABS accumulator to be replaced. To avoid premature failure and a high ABS accumulator replacement cost, owners need to flush their brake fluid regularly.
Steps of Replacing the ABS Accumulator
In many cars, the steps to replace the ABS accumulator should be done by a professional, local mechanic, dealership, or those with extreme car DIY knowledge. The first step in this repair is to replace the ABS modulator assembly and the ABS control module.
The brake fluid pressure must then be released to prevent any excess brake fluid from being sprayed around the safety system when the pressure is released. Once this step is complete, the fasteners securing the accumulator must be removed. Once the fasteners are removed, the new accumulator, seals, and brake fluid are applied to the ABS unit.
The last step in replacing the ABS accumulator is to test the service brakes, bleed the ABS hydraulic unit of excess air, and test the entire ABS for proper function. This last step is crucial in confirming that your car is safe to drive on the road and keep the ABS accumulator replacement cost as low as possible.
Sample ABS Accumulator Replacement Cost
When looking at the total replacement cost for the accumulator, it is key that you know the sample prices from common shops and stores found in the world today. At your local mechanic, you can expect to pay between $289 and $442 for the total ABS accumulator replacement cost.
At Midas, a popular chain store, drivers will pay between $297 and $468, while Mr. Tire is slightly less expensive, ranging between $278 and $521. If you are interested in performing the labor yourself, you can pay solely for parts at Walmart for between $!87 and $306 or at Amazon for between $179 and $318, depending on your car’s make and model.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, the ABS accumulator replacement cost will differ depending on the make, model, and year of your car, along with the geographic location and shop you choose to carry out this necessary repair. Ranging typically between $350 and $380 on average, paying less than $400 to keep your ABS working at a top-notch level is crucial to the safety of your passengers!