VW AUDI SAAB ABS REPAIR

 
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Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Q: Can I drive the car while the module is out for repair?

A:
For liability reasons, we cannot recommend driving without the module (because we are not doing the work on the car). As long as you do not remove the hydraulic unit (the ABS pump) and the brake lines remain intact, the car should work with normal braking (non-ABS). Your speedometer and/or tachometer may also not function with the module removed. So, please use caution if you choose to drive the car. Also, once the module is removed from the pump, the metal valves on the pump will be exposed, and these rust very easily. So it is highly recommended to cover the exposed metal on the pump to prevent rusting while the module is off the car. Again, our recommendation is to not drive the car with the module out. If you choose to do so, please consult further with your mechanic and realize that you must assume all risk by doing so.

Q: How long will it take to repair my module, what is the turnaround time, etc.?

A:
We typically ship modules back out within 2-3 days of receiving them. If you live in the US, you can expect your module back within 1 week from the time you send it. Shipping outside of the US normally takes 7-10 days. Please contact us if you require expedited shipping; we will be happy to accommodate special requests.

Q: What is your address? Where are you located?

A:
We are located in the midwestern United States (Fayetteville, Arkansas) offering reasonable shipping times to both coasts (in addition to worldwide shipping). Our address is not listed on the website because we like to verify the part being sent and touch base with each customer rather than having modules randomly show up. Please submit the order form for our shipping address and payment instructions.

Q: How do I remove the ABS module from my car?

A:
Please click here for removal instructions. If you require more detailed instructions, please contact us. We have detailed removal instructions available for Audi, VW, and Saab vehicles. If you would prefer to have a mechanic remove your module for you, we can usually recommend an honest shop to work with in your area.

Q: Why should I have my ABS module rebuilt instead of buying a new one?

A: A new ABS module will cost between $600-$1500 USD plus labor. Your total out of pocket cost for an ABS repair will be only a small fraction of the cost of a new module. We not only repair broken modules, but we enhance them with a redundant repair. This means that if the original repair fails again, the backup we put inside your module will keep it going. New ABS modules do not have this redundant architecture that we add, so they are more prone to failure.

Q: Why should I trust you to repair my module for $99 when others charge $300+?

A:
Our process of repairing a 5.3 or 5.4 ABS module is as follows: First, the top cover is carefully removed. Second, the common failure points are repaired and upgraded. Third, all other connections on the module are tested for proper connection (99% of the time, these connections are fine, but we test anyway). Fourth, the top cover is replaced and sealed with a heat and water resistant silicone sealant. Assuming a 'best-case' scenario, this process takes 30 minutes. Typically, the repair will take one to two hours. The worst case is that the module is beyond repair, which rarely occurs. This is not brain-surgery as some claim. Don't overpay. You don't always get what you pay for. Your module will be repaired by a professional electrical engineer (not just a technician or hobbyist) with the proper tools and equipment.

The fix we have developed is proprietary. Other people attempt to repair these modules using a shotgun approach and blindly hacking at every connection in the module. The following picture shows the internals of a module that was sent to us by a Passat owner who had it repaired elsewhere first. It worked for a while, then quit. Looking at this picture, it is no wonder. Whoever did this repair lacked any real training in electronic repair. Notice cold solder joints randomly applied everywhere. The solder blobs literally came off when they were touched. The internal protective gel was completely destroyed and haphazardly removed from the semiconductor dies. The connection wires (at the top of the photo) were twisted and bent. The red sealing epoxy used was ineffective and splattered all over the connections at the bottom of the picture. And most important of all, the main failure points weren't even touched by them. They literally tried to touch up (poorly) every connection in the module except for the ones that needed it!

ABS picture
Example of a poorly repaired module.

Q: Am I paying less for less quality?

A: We don't touch any parts of the module that aren't prone to failure. These modules fail 99% of the time in the same places. Some claim to upgrade many other parts of the module by replacing components. Take a look at the picture above of a module that has been 'upgraded' in all spots. The 'upgraded' connections are joined with cold solders that failed to bond to the wires. There is no electrical connection, and all this has done is weakened the module. These are very delicate electronics, and we prefer to just fix what's broken and leave the rest of the module (the non-defective portions) intact. By poking around the rest of the module, one runs a very high risk of damaging something. If you want the internals of your anti-lock brakes electronic control module hacked to bits, then you have come to the wrong place. We charge less because we make a smaller profit. We do this primarily as a service to the VW/Audi community to keep owners from paying more at dealerships, repair shops, and rebuilders. On Bosch 5.7 modules, we typically replace between 10 and 12 parts; however, in some cases these modules are not repairable due to an internal memory fault. If yours has this kind of failure, you will be issued a refund less shipping.

Q: Do you sell rebuilt modules?

A:
Yes, we have many rebuilt modules for Audi and VW cars for sale. Prices are typically around $220 for a 5.3 module and $300 for a 5.7 module (currently not in stock). Please contact us for availability and current pricing.

Q: Do you buy broken modules?

A:
Yes, we will buy broken Bosch ABS modules for most vehicles. If you are a shop that has broken modules on hand, or you simply chose to have a new module installed and still have your broken one laying around, please contact us for a quote.

Q: I work for or own a repair shop or dealership. Can you handle bulk or recurring orders?

A:
Yes, we have relationships with many repeat clients. Please contact us if you are interested in starting a business relationship, and let us know what your needs are.

Q: Do you offer a warranty?

A: Yes. This is all we do (Bosch ABS repairs). We guarantee that our fix will work. If it doesn't, you will get a full refund. Our fix replaces the failure point in these modules. If the module fails again, then it won't be in the same place and will likely be due to an (unrepairable) internal memory failure. If you're paying extra for promises of a better warranty elsewhere, keep in mind that if an additional failure occurs, there is a decent chance that failure won't be a repairable failure assuming the most common failure point is upgraded in the original repair. Offering a warranty and following up on that warranty are two very different things. You can always send your module back to us at any time in the future and we will examine it and re-work it if necessary for no charge. We do not advertise and rely solely on word of mouth for our services, so our reputation is extremely important to us, and therefore our number one priority is customer service and making absolutely sure that you are satisfied.

Q: Do you ship internationally?

A: Yes, we ship worldwide. We have worked with clients on every continent except Antarctica!

Q: Do you take credit cards?

A: All credit card payments are processed through paypal. You will be sent instructions for payment after placing an order.

Q: Are you a real business, how do I know this is legit, etc.?

A: Yes, Cheap ABS, Inc. is a registered corporation in the state of Arkansas and we have thousands of happy and satisfied customers around the world. We do not advertise and rely solely on word of mouth for sales. Consequently, our reputation is very important to us. Ask around, or contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a reference!


Disclaimer: The buyer assumes all risks associated with removing, installing, and usage of a remanufactured ABS module.

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