I have an 02 Ranger Edge 4x4 with ABS and rear drum brakes. I have ABS sensors going to both front wheels and a speed sensor on the of the rear diff.

The problem is when I'm coming to a complete stop, the brakes stutters for a moment, like the ABS is activating. When the brake stutters, no ABS light is illuminated on the dash, but you can feel it in the brake and the truck is difficult to stop for a couple seconds. I scanned the computer and there are no codes.

Tonight I decided to unplug the rear speed sensor atop the rear diff. Doing so caused the ABS light to remain on in the dash, however the stutter is now gone when I stop. I went and purchased a new rear diff speed sensor from NAPA, and replaced it. After plugging in the new sensor, the vehicle is again stuttering when I try to come to a complete stop.

How can I test the front sensors to determine which one is bad? Should I be checking resistance on the current sensors? Is it possible to clean the ones that I have? Could it be something else in the ABS system? The pedal is high, and stiff. Need to know which route to go? The sensors are over $110 each!

 

Three thoughts come to mind. One is that the sensors on the front discs are dirty. Check them for any dirt collection. Second, If the shuddering occurs only when the rear sensor is connected, you need to focus your attention on that area. Third, if something is acting up on one of the front brakes, you should feel some pulling or shaking of the steering wheel. Do some more checking before spending more money on parts.

 

If the pedal is "high" and "stiff" I'd be looking at the booster.

 

I have had lots of experience with this. Since you replaced the rear sensor, that aint it. The reason it don't 'stutter' with it disconnected is because it has no wheel speed signal at all from the rear it has completly disabled the ABS system. So whats happening is as you are coming to a stop one of the signals from the front wheels is dropping to 0mph when the other is at oh.. lets say 4 mph so the system thinks that wheel has locked up and the ABS activates. This is why you get no ABS light or DTC's or whatever. With out a scan tool to display those sensors in real time where you can see whats going on, your guessing which it is. Do the front sensors have an external reluctor ring or are they inside the hub? Check both rings if they are external for crap on them and especially for a crack, that'll cause this every time.

 

I had the same problem with my 2003 Ranger Edge. I went to check the right side to see if it was dirty I oulle dit out and cleaned it off, that didnt fixe the problem. I took the left side out or what was left of it. It had was in two pieces and i had to drill it out of the hub. I replaced it with a used sensor from an explorer and drove it around and it fixed the problem and doesn't stutter anymore.