weird brake issue, ABS?
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Bloomington, IN
weird brake issue, ABS?
Yesterday I started noticing an intermittent issue with my brakes (2000 Excursion 7.3). When coming to a slow stop, the pedal will drop about 1/3 of the way and I feel a clunk in the system.
It feels similar to if the ABS activates for a split second on a really short slick section of road. It's not quite that full "crunching" feel when ABS is at work though. I know for a fact that the roads are dry, and it is not a situation where the ABS should be kicking in. It seems like it does it a couple times each time I drive it.
I haven't checked for codes yet, but the ABS light on the dash is not on.
Any ideas? Thanks guys
It feels similar to if the ABS activates for a split second on a really short slick section of road. It's not quite that full "crunching" feel when ABS is at work though. I know for a fact that the roads are dry, and it is not a situation where the ABS should be kicking in. It seems like it does it a couple times each time I drive it.
I haven't checked for codes yet, but the ABS light on the dash is not on.
Any ideas? Thanks guys
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 18
From: The Great White North!
If no light on then I don't think you will get any codes set. None that I recall are pending for the abs system.
I do think the psd uses a different brake booster, or something, but I would start there. Next check the slide pins on the calipers, which would give you a good overall of the brakes and help rule out several things. Normally when you get a drop in pressure in the pedal there is air in the system somewhere, so you might want to look at bleeding. Probably a good idea to replace the 10yr old fluid if you haven't already done so. Very easy to do, and not very expensive.
I do think the psd uses a different brake booster, or something, but I would start there. Next check the slide pins on the calipers, which would give you a good overall of the brakes and help rule out several things. Normally when you get a drop in pressure in the pedal there is air in the system somewhere, so you might want to look at bleeding. Probably a good idea to replace the 10yr old fluid if you haven't already done so. Very easy to do, and not very expensive.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 669
Likes: 7
From: Tennessee
I would check your suspension components and make sure all the calipers are tight and that the slide pins are free to move but not loose. Things like ball joints wheel bearings etc. Also some have complained about a clunk coming from a drive shaft slip yoke that needs some grease. I would check the entire brake system. A clunk sounds like something is loose. There may be a fuse that will disable the ABS so if you pull that fuse and the problem goes away then you have some sort of ABS problem like a bad sensor or connector to same.
Perry
Perry
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Bloomington, IN
It's happening a bit more often now. Not really feeling the "clunk" anymore, but 5% of the time the pedal has to go about 1/3 of the way down before any braking happens. Once there, it is no more difficult to press than normal and stops just fine. Then press it again and it's back to normal. I'm leaning towards booster or master cylinder.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Bloomington, IN
I did a good flush a couple years ago, but it wouldn't hurt to do it again.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Bonita Springs FL
It's happening a bit more often now. Not really feeling the "clunk" anymore, but 5% of the time the pedal has to go about 1/3 of the way down before any braking happens. Once there, it is no more difficult to press than normal and stops just fine. Then press it again and it's back to normal. I'm leaning towards booster or master cylinder.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 155
From: Milwaukee, WI
EMC may have nailed it but also check the condition of the pads. You may have a cracked pad with a "loose body" floating around in the pad area. It could give you a false feeling of where braking starts and as the loose piece of braking material gets forced back in it's place, there is suddenly a defecit of braking power applied to the rotor. This will also degrade quickly and the behavior become more frequent as you described.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Bloomington, IN
You guys rock, thanks for the suggestion. Inboard pads on both rears had fallen apart! Also DS had one stuck pin that I was able to free with some heat. On the way to the parts store now, will report back with results later
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Bloomington, IN
Brakes feel great after driving it a few times with the new rear pads (and freshly lubed pins). Just wanted to say thanks! With as cold as it has been, I never would have thought or felt like pulling the rears to check on a whim.
thanks again guys!
thanks again guys!
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