ABS braking problem.

[imq707s]

I've got a 97 xlt explorer. Every so often when I apply the brakes the ABS system will engage and the pedal will chatter and vibrate. Then if I let off and hit the brakes again they're fine. This is on dry payment with light braking. It usually hapens about once a month. I've had the ABS engage while driving on the snow and it's the exact same feeling. What would make the computer think that the tires are sliping and engage the ABS? My ABS light has never turned on, so I'm assuming that the sensores are all OK. Has this happened to anyone else before?

 

[Big Poppa]

Sorry, I can't help you with your problem, but does anyone know why after I engage my ABS the brakes are "locked"? I have to pump them once to get them to "unlock". Actually, maybe my ABS doesn't work. I've felt ABS on some cars and it is definately noticeable, is it that noticeable on the early explorers (Rear ABS)?
Thanks

 

[gbeck]

Just to let you know I am having the same problem on my 97. My ford dealer told me I need to change the hub and sensor to take care of the problem. I pulled my brakes and dust shield to see why they both would have to be done. There is one allen screw holding the sensor to the hub. I removed it and rotated the sensor. The sensor did not want to come out easily so I put the screw back in. Now my activation problem has gone from every once in awhile to just about all the time. It only happens at the end of slow speed stops. If you brake hard it does not happen. I am trying to figure out what to change.

Greg

 

[ifab.net]

My wife and I just bought a 93 ex sport 4x4 last friday and am having the same problem, a funny hummm right at the last minute of stoping sometimes while turing, seems like its the ABS system kicking in, I was wondering if you had any luck yet fixing it, Any thing that you found out would help,

Thanks
Gary

 

[Mbrooks420]

My mom had a 91 sport with ABS and I locked up the front wheels several times and it didn't feel anything like in my 1996. The ABS eventually went out tho, soIt may not have been working correctly.

 

[gbeck]

I have solved my problem. After doing some research, I decided to just change the sensor and not the hub assembly. One reason was because the aftermarket hubs had been recalled. The manufacturer had left the Ford insignia on the aftermarket sensor in the hub. Ford wanted it to be removed. Obviously they produce the sensors for Ford. Anyway, I bought a sensor from Ford and changed the one I thought was causing the problem. This made things better but did not eliminate it. I then switched the used sensor with the other side, same results. I was checking to see if that was the bad sencor. I bought another new sensor for that side and everything has been fine since.

 

[ifab.net]

Great Thanks!! How much did each sensor run? I have to wait till we are back from our trip to N cali before I can check into them, but now i have an idea where to start, and i hope its not going to effect the safty, thanks very much for the needed info.

Gary

 

[GrtWht]

Pull the ABS fuse That solves the problem fine and then you don't have that pesky damn ABS kicking in off road go au' natural much better feel.
The dealer told me it was probably a sensor or the wire or the computer... Blah Blah Blah
One yoink and I don't have the problem any more

 

[gbeck]

They aren't cheap. I got a deal through my local auto parts store. They gave them to me for what they cost them from a Ford dealership, $114. I'm not sure what they cost directly. Search online though, there are a few Ford dealers online that sell at a discount.

 

[the_kidd]

i've got a braking problem thats a little different

i have a 91' xlt and i have had some problems with my breaks locking up when it's wet outside or sometimes when it's very cold. the breaks have always been somewhat touchy ( i only have to depress my pedal 1/4 of the way to stop quickly) but when it's wet i can just tap the breaks and apply a small amount of pressure and i am slammed to a stop. usually at the last second my wheels will "lock-up" and skid. i have had the break pads and rotars replaced but nothing seems to help.any Ideas?

thanks

 

[Big Poppa]

Is the ABS fuse in the regular small fuse panel? Will this make my rear ABS light finally turn off?
Thanks

 

[drwambo]

Well, if the fuse works like the one in my van, the light will stay on, but the ABS will be disabled.

 

[Big Poppa]

damn- I hate that light
Is there a bulb behind there I can pull out?

 

[regulator]

I pulled my ABS on my 95 and my abs brakes dont kick on at every stop like they used to. Also my X doesnt pull to the right anymore when Im stopping either. The bulb is easily breakable once you get the dash apart. I still have to take care of that small problem.

 

[gdh]

I have the same problem with my '96 and it seems to be getting worse. Where are the sensors located, how do I know which one(s) are in need of replacement and I imagine that there will be 4 of them. Thanks for the great thread, my wife nearly hit someone the other day because the truck just wouldn't stop until she lifted off the brakes then hit them again hard.

 

[Jason_25]

There are actually 3 ABS sensors. One in the rear diff on top, and 1 in each of the front spindle assemblies.

 

[regulator]

the front ones- I believe are located in the wheel bearings. You have to buy the whole assembly on 4wd. On 2wd you just have to buy the sensor. Just take the fuse out and pop the bulb. They did lots of studies on 20/20 and it is supposed to stop you faster anyways. Just a little less control.

 

[gbeck]

There are three sensors. The rear differential sensor is relatively inexpensive, like $15. The two fronts are mounted on the hubs. You have to pull the brake caliper, the caliper mounting bracket, and the backer plate to get to them. They are held in with one allen screw. You can change just the sensors on a 4WD. See my earlier posts. If they have never been changed you will have to change both sensors. Mine was the slow speed stopping problem. If you braked hard, the ABS would not activate. If you came to a slow stop they would engage right before you came to a complete stop.

 

[gdh]

Thanks all this is the same problem that I am having with the slow speed stops, seems that they are becoming more of an adventure than I would like. Will have to get a look at those sensors asap. Since all are original I will go ahead and replace the 3 of them at the same time. I have access to a hoist, will that make it easier?

 

[gbeck]

You probably won't need to change the rear sensor. During all my investigation of the problem, it was always blamed on the fronts. Certainly won't hurt anything to change the rear. My ABS light never came on during all this. I had the computer scanned and it didn't show any codes. A friend of mine has a '99 Explorer. His light came on, they scanned the computer and it indicated a bad rear sensor. Changed it and everything was fine. I would be nice to have a hoist but it can be done without one. Good luck