ABS design flaw?

[wood1]

I have a '93 XLT and I don't have many complaints regarding Ford's engineering. I do have a complaint about what I consider a design flaw in the ABS system...

While braking, if you hit a big bump or pothole, the ABS kicks in and seems to reduce braking effect to the extent that I feel like there are no brakes at all.

I was told by an accident reconstructionist that Ford ABS systems have this flaw, and that when a tire looses contact with the ground (and you are applying the brakes) the ABS cycles and leaves you with a great deal less braking effect. It gives you the preception that you have no brakes at all.

I wonder if there is a fix/mod for this issue or any of you guys out there with bigger brains than me have given this problem some thought? I couldn't find anything when I searched.

I was temped to disable the ABS system, but I realize that even with this issue ABS is far better at preventing wheel lockup than I am.

Possibly replacing the front shocks would help some, I think they are the origionals (approx 285,000kms) but ride quality is still very good.

I have never noticed this problem with GM antilock systems.

Comments, suggestions?

I have stock sized tires and my brakes are in excellent condition.

Chris.

 

[Anime]

I'd say you answered your own question. With 285,000 kms on the original shocks, it's probably all those dampers can do to barely keep the tires in contact with the road when hitting bumps or potholes when braking, ABS or not. High quality shocks, such as Bilsteins or KYB gas-a-justs, keep the tire glued to the road. Even just new low-end shocks do an adequate job. Get new shocks and go out and hit bumps and hit the brakes, then see what you think.

Also, keep in mind that just because it SEEMS the braking effect is reduced, and you get the perception of no brakes at all, thats just how it feels, and might not be whats actually happening if the ABS is working correctly. Although ABS can give shorter stopping distances, reduce the chances of a skid, and give better overall control, sometimes it really does nothing more than keep the vehicle going straight when the brakes are slammed on.

 

[CDW6212R]

My occupation consists of constant almost maximum braking every work day. I have experienced that affect on surfaces like leaves, gravel, and snow. It is real, braking is reduced when that occurs. The answer to it, that I do not know.

 

[wood1]

Yeah, I thought that maybe there was more to it, but shocks would probably make things work better, not perfect though... I guess it's just "the nature of the beast"

Thanks for your comments Anime4X4.

Hey Don, what do you do for a living? Sounds interesting, and hard on brakes.

Chris.

 

[CDW6212R]

Rural Mail Carrier, 29 miles in 3 hours per day. Brakes do not like me.

 

[wood1]

Figured I would update this thread...

I installed a switch in line with the fuse to the antilock module. I'm the only driving it so I run with it in the off position usually. I like to be able to stop at slippery intersections now. I can turn the switch on at any time and after a couple seconds the antilock is up and running. Nice to be able to switch it off though.

I've replaced the shocks and tires, brakes since and it still acted the same.

I'm not saying that you should do this, this is just what I did. Any mod you do is on you and is your decision.

 

[Naasau]

Good choice. I 'disabled' my ABS permanently by buying non ABS brake rotors; that system tried to kill me one too many times. While some ABS systems are good, I have never felt that the system on a first gen fit that category. I vote that the best braking is thresh-hold braking, no pedal pumping or ABS idiocy.

 

[jd4242]

I disabled mine to,way better breaking for me

 

[racer_x_one]

Good choice. I 'disabled' my ABS permanently by buying non ABS brake rotors; that system tried to kill me one too many times. While some ABS systems are good, I have never felt that the system on a first gen fit that category. I vote that the best braking is thresh-hold braking, no pedal pumping or ABS idiocy.

Agree with this 100%. I also disabled mine. Not a fan...

 

[Naasau]

Well, I bought my wife a 2006 jeep wrangler rubicon; and that vehicle doesn't even have ABS as an option; I guess that if you get to buy a vehicle that comes with lockers stock, then they expect you to know how to actually drive.

Wow, what a thought.

 

[wood1]

Yeah, you know... if I was ever going to go to the dark side it would be in a rubi...

 

[Naasau]

Well, if you ever feel like trying out the 6-speed; you're welcome to drop by Colorado for some weekend fun.

Just don't buy a JK, the wider axles and sub-quality on the components kinda defeat the purpose of what I always thought a jeep should be. Besides, I wouldn't trade the Dana 44 on the back of that thing for any one in the world; it has a worm gear limited slip/full air locker, which goes one hell of a long way to make her a safer vehicle to drive and control on and off road. The JK's switched to e-lockers for the lower price-point. bleh. (not that I don't like e-lockers... Eaton's are awesome, I just feel that the JK's took a downgrade in durability and drive-ability for the sake of cost savings.)

 

[wood1]

Hey thanks for the offer dude. I like that Rubi. Long arm kit, chrome axles, 37's, gears etc... maybe a retirement vehicle huh? I love the electric select able diffs. I had a great weekend with a buddy and his Jeep club in August. I jumped in with one of the guys and he was doing some stuff that surprised me. Had a great time.

 

[RockyMtnJohn]

I also did the switch mod described by wood1 in his post. It was pretty simple and now I have the choice of whether I want the ABS to be active or not. Mandatory CYA caution: Use at your own risk!

 

[wood1]

Mandatory CYA caution: Use at your own risk!

Exactly. Do at your own risk. Any modification to any steering, braking and/or suspension components should not be taken lightly or done by someone who may not know all of the consequences. If you do this to your vehicle that's on you.

 

[Naasau]

Hey thanks for the offer dude. I like that Rubi. Long arm kit, chrome axles, 37's, gears etc... maybe a retirement vehicle huh? I love the electric select able diffs. I had a great weekend with a buddy and his Jeep club in August. I jumped in with one of the guys and he was doing some stuff that surprised me. Had a great time.

Glad to hear that they can take a beating! My wife's is still stock-ish till we're both out of school... which my wallet thanks me for every day.