abs problems
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
Mine's doing the same exact thing. After about 15 minutes of driving both lights come on, and the pedal gets a little more firm (but not hard like a total loss of booster vacuum). The strange part is the regularity. I drive the same way to work every day, and it comes on at the same exact point (I'm talking within feet) in my normal commute. If I find a solution, I'll post it here. I didn't think of the vacuum pump. Maybe I should hook up a gauge and monitor it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
Check the fluid level in the M/C......... if it's ok then open the MC reservior and gently push down on the level float, if float does NOT move then replace reservior. You could also remove the fluid level sensor connector on the M/C, jumper the connector removed, turn ignition on......if both lights go off replace M/C reservoir........there is a ton more info........
If you want my Kelsey Hayes rabs info for 89-92 email me and mention RABs 1 file.
If you want my Kelsey Hayes rabs info for 89-92 email me and mention RABs 1 file.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
I drove my truck around until the ABS and brake light came on again. As usual, the pedal got stiffer just before the lights came on. I can feel the pedal stiffness change and just when I notice it, they come on.
So, after the lights came on, I checked my vacuum. 21 inches at idle, which should be more than enough. I still have to check the float in the reservoir, but I'm not sure how that would affect the firmness in the brake pedal that I'm feeling. Well, I have a 330 mile trip to do tomorrow, maybe something will make itself more apparent with the rigors of a long trip. Maybe I have a caliper that's hanging up or a pinched/clogged line that's not allowing the pressure to bleed off. I'd just like to be able to pin down what's causing the pedal to become stiffer.
So, after the lights came on, I checked my vacuum. 21 inches at idle, which should be more than enough. I still have to check the float in the reservoir, but I'm not sure how that would affect the firmness in the brake pedal that I'm feeling. Well, I have a 330 mile trip to do tomorrow, maybe something will make itself more apparent with the rigors of a long trip. Maybe I have a caliper that's hanging up or a pinched/clogged line that's not allowing the pressure to bleed off. I'd just like to be able to pin down what's causing the pedal to become stiffer.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
I checked mine and it read about 2.2Kohms. I figure if it wasn't open, it's probably ok.
One thing I found was the front calipers were binding. I tapped out the clips that hold the caliper in place, wire-wheeled everything clean and re-assembled with anti-seize. The ABS/Brake light still comes on after a while, but it takes a lot longer.
I visited my dad over the weekend and he had a problem with a stuck caliper on his F150. He checked the caliper and it was fine. Dad being Dad, he knew that the flexible brake line can swell up and act like a check valve. Sure enough, his did just that. He said if you remove the line and can't blow through it (or barely can), it's done for. Autozone carries them for driver/passenger side for $15/$20 respectively. Advance (Parts America) has them for $30 each. I'll be checking my brake lines this week. I have a feeling that's going to solve the problem.
One thing I found was the front calipers were binding. I tapped out the clips that hold the caliper in place, wire-wheeled everything clean and re-assembled with anti-seize. The ABS/Brake light still comes on after a while, but it takes a lot longer.
I visited my dad over the weekend and he had a problem with a stuck caliper on his F150. He checked the caliper and it was fine. Dad being Dad, he knew that the flexible brake line can swell up and act like a check valve. Sure enough, his did just that. He said if you remove the line and can't blow through it (or barely can), it's done for. Autozone carries them for driver/passenger side for $15/$20 respectively. Advance (Parts America) has them for $30 each. I'll be checking my brake lines this week. I have a feeling that's going to solve the problem.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
I found a hanging rear wheel cylinder - driver's side. I drove it around a while to get things warmed up and the Brake/ABS light to come on. I went home, jacked up the rear end and mashed down on the brake pedal a few times. Then I gave it some gas and checked out the tires - driver's side was stopped cold. After a few seconds it started to free up, but it never freed up completely. I'll be replacing that tomorrow night. Hopefully that will solve the problem.
If you're having the same problem, I'd recommend doing the same thing - mash down on the pedal and see if any of the wheels bind.
Both front calipers were binding too, but I already fixed that and was hoping that was the only problem. If they're dry, you'll want to get them lubricated. I'm sure they contributed to the problem.
By the way, I have a factory service manual on CD, so if anyone needs info on the 93-94 F series, let me know.
If you're having the same problem, I'd recommend doing the same thing - mash down on the pedal and see if any of the wheels bind.
Both front calipers were binding too, but I already fixed that and was hoping that was the only problem. If they're dry, you'll want to get them lubricated. I'm sure they contributed to the problem.
By the way, I have a factory service manual on CD, so if anyone needs info on the 93-94 F series, let me know.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
I changed my electronic valve last night. Both of my rear wheels locked up on me last night on the way haome from work. I did not have a problem on the way to work this morning, but my problems is usually in the afternoon. I will keep you posted.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
Well, you can count out the power brake booster as a possibility. Mine crapped out and I lost my power brakes. I had hoped that after replacing it, the other problem might go away, but it made no difference. I'm just glad the booster failed while moving my truck a few feet in my parking space, and not as I was approaching the tail end of a Lexus or Mercedes.