Today heading down the road the traffic light in front of me changed straight to red, leaving me not wanting to get T-boned. I hit the brakes and they worked until the pedal got half way down and then it felt like the brakes were slipping. I haven't heard the warning squeal for my brake pads and have never had this problem before. Anyone else experience this or know what may be the problem?

 

You experienced the NORMAL feeling of ABS in action.
When you panic stop and the wheels approach lockup (and skidding) while the truck is in motion (all read by sensors in the truck), the ABS system will release some of the brake fluid pressure so the wheels do not lock (stop rotating). This action balances traction and stopping power to keep your truck under control in an emergency.
If the pedal goes to the floor, keep pressing on the pedal. You are not supposed to pump the pedal, even though that is what the older driver generation was taught to do.

 

Well that makes sense. I'm a new driver with a new (to me) truck. Defenitely getting reps for that one! Appreciate it. Glad nothings wrong

 

Yep what Darrel said. If your pads were gone and you were into the backing it would still stop but with a horrible grinding noise that sends chills up your spine (at least it does for me).

I took a defensive driving class before I got my license and they teach "threshold braking" (there are other names for it too but thats what they called it). Basically pushing the brakes to the point just before lockup (or where ABS kicks in). You can actually stop faster using threshold braking than ABS can. We got to prove it on the skid pad.

 

Well thanks guys. Just wanted to check and make sure my brakes weren't gonna give on the way to school and i take out the minivan in front of me!