'99 Brake Problems
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Joined: Jan 2005
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'99 Brake Problems
Hi - I'm new to the forum, hoping some experts can help me - my mechanic can't!
I have a '99 Ranger 4x4, 4.0L, 99k miles. When I brake, just before coming to a stop, the pedal gives out and goes to the floor making a clicking noise, braking power is greatly reduced. Mechanic says the anti-lock brake is kicking in for a reason he can't determine. I had new rotors, pads and rear drums and pads replaced about 20k miles ago, the problem existed at that time, but is now getting worse. He did mention that left rear self-adjusting brake mechanism is broken, so every 3k miles or so I reach under there with a brake tool and adjust it myself. Other info to help diagnose problem: Inside left front tire rubs against something when turning sharp, pedal usually gives out when turning left or straight, never turning right and problem always occurs when going slow, like when pulling into a parking space, never at high speeds but it is getting worse. Mechanic said there was lots of rust down there and air-hole for anti-lock brake could be messed up - whatever that means. Anyway, after $1000 brake job, i still have this problem, any thoughts? Thanks.
I have a '99 Ranger 4x4, 4.0L, 99k miles. When I brake, just before coming to a stop, the pedal gives out and goes to the floor making a clicking noise, braking power is greatly reduced. Mechanic says the anti-lock brake is kicking in for a reason he can't determine. I had new rotors, pads and rear drums and pads replaced about 20k miles ago, the problem existed at that time, but is now getting worse. He did mention that left rear self-adjusting brake mechanism is broken, so every 3k miles or so I reach under there with a brake tool and adjust it myself. Other info to help diagnose problem: Inside left front tire rubs against something when turning sharp, pedal usually gives out when turning left or straight, never turning right and problem always occurs when going slow, like when pulling into a parking space, never at high speeds but it is getting worse. Mechanic said there was lots of rust down there and air-hole for anti-lock brake could be messed up - whatever that means. Anyway, after $1000 brake job, i still have this problem, any thoughts? Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,221
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From: Homer, Alaska
First you need to fix the self adjuster. The repair kit is pretty cheap. Next, find out what the tire is rubbing against and fix that. Are you seeing any indication of brake fluid leaks or is the brake light coming on when this happens? My first guess is a leaking or faulty master cylinder, but the wheel cylinders could also be suspect. You should not be driving with this problem, especially if it is getting worse.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
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From: Connecticut
Welcome to FTE! Do you have RABS or 4WABS?
I tend to agree with your mechanic that the ABS system seems to be kicking in when it's not supposed to. One place to start is to check is the ABS sensor(s), they can get dirty and attract metal pieces because they employ magnets. Check for metal chips on sensor pole piece (rear sensor on rear diff), look to see if somehow the gap between sensor and speed sensor ring has been affected or if the rings have been damaged, look over the wiring, etc., anything that could cause interference with a good signal.
I tend to agree with your mechanic that the ABS system seems to be kicking in when it's not supposed to. One place to start is to check is the ABS sensor(s), they can get dirty and attract metal pieces because they employ magnets. Check for metal chips on sensor pole piece (rear sensor on rear diff), look to see if somehow the gap between sensor and speed sensor ring has been affected or if the rings have been damaged, look over the wiring, etc., anything that could cause interference with a good signal.
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2004
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same problem
I had the exact same problem, take your truck to a Ford dealer their computers will find a faut in one of your front abs sensors that will need to be replaced. The diagnostic equpment that many general shops use will not find a fault and the abs light will not come on. I know I went through the same thing with the same truck.
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
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Most reputable shops can fix ya up pretty easy. You just need a scanner hooked up and drive the truck. The independant speed sensors will disply thier speeds. When the problem happens, you're gonna see that one sensor is displaying zero or a lower/ and decelerating speed that doesn't match the other sensors.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
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I have the left front tire rubbing issue also, no idea what it is.
I posted it before but got no help. I didnt know about it until I took off the wheel to check the front brakes and noticed a wear mark on the inside of the tire.. I had the ball joints and other front end components checked out but the shop claimed everything looked ok.
If you figure it out let me know.
I posted it before but got no help. I didnt know about it until I took off the wheel to check the front brakes and noticed a wear mark on the inside of the tire.. I had the ball joints and other front end components checked out but the shop claimed everything looked ok.
If you figure it out let me know.
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2004
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Originally Posted by rockNroll
Most reputable shops can fix ya up pretty easy. You just need a scanner hooked up and drive the truck. The independant speed sensors will disply thier speeds. When the problem happens, you're gonna see that one sensor is displaying zero or a lower/ and decelerating speed that doesn't match the other sensors.
The truth is I did everthing possible to not take it to the dealership and it cost me time and money, I think that when it comes to some diagnotic problems the dealership migh be your best bet.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2001
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just pull the ABS fuse out and try it, it should work like a non ABS brake system. I pull mine in the winter because I don't like the feel of ABS when it's icy,,,but taking it to a dealer would be a good idea,,,good luck,Neil
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 86
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When my abs was misbehaving I tried pulling the abs fuse and although it did remove any abs properties from my braking system it also disabled my spedometer. Not knowing what speed I was going and also not knowing what other problems this might cause I reinstalled it.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 123
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From: Central Jersey
You did not mention if you are losing any fluid. It is possible, during hard turns, if the master cylinder is low, that you could have erratic braking problems. Sometimes the master cylinder leaks into the power booster, so no drips show up in the driveway.
Good luck. Tough one to solve
Good luck. Tough one to solve
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