About the Teves Brake System

[Admin]

The 1988-1990 Buick Reattas used the Teves (ABS) brake system. The 1991 used a completely different ABS brake system made by Bosch.

 

The Teves ABS power brakes do not use a conventional vacuum booster to provide power assist to the master cylinder as most GM cars do.  The Teves ABS power brakes have a pump, powered by a 12 volt motor, that builds pressure in an accumulator ball to provide reserve braking power when the pump cycles off.

 

The Teves power brake pump is controlled by a pressure switch that activates the brake pump relay to maintain proper pressure in the accumulator when the ignition switch is on. The brake pump and pressure switch are a separate unit mounted on the left [driver] side of the brake master cylinder. It is held on to the master cylinder with one large bolt.

 

The ABS Control Valves are mounted on the right side of the master cylinder. The ABS valves are controlled by an Electronic Brake Control Module that gets inputs from sensors mounted on each wheel. The Electronic Brake Control Module [ECBM] is mounted in the trunk.  The ABS valves modulate the pressure going to each wheel to prevent a wheel from locking up during hard braking. If properly maintained the Teves ABS Brake System works really well.

 

More detailed information about the Teves brakes can be found here in the ROJ How-to Guides.

 

The photo below shows the parts of the Teves system that routinely need servicing or replacement.

 

BRAKE TROUBLESHOOTING & MAINTENANCE

 

First steps when you have brake problems:  Brake Frequently Asked Questions  --  How To Read ABS Codes  --  ABS Code Chart

 

Brake Testing & Troubleshooting:  The Brake Test (scroll down)  -- Accumulator Testing Instructions - Troubleshoot ABS wheel sensors

 

Important Maintenance Information:  Brake Fluid Specifications  --  How To Flush & Bleed Brakes  --  Reservoir Filling Instructions

 

Feel free to ask any questions you might have about the Teves ABS system in this topic.

[Bobsred88]

I'm looking for the pump Motor for my 88 Buick reatta. Thanks for any help