???Explorer ABS???
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
???Explorer ABS???
I was wondering why the pedal in my 2002 Explorer would pulsate. I expect that since the ABS light has come on in the dash that I need to have the brakes serviced.
I'm trying to undersatnd what is going on before I take the thing in and get taken to the cleaners. What could have really gone wrong? Can I just take the ABS sensors out of the loop by unplugging them? Thanks in advance for ANY input...
I'm trying to undersatnd what is going on before I take the thing in and get taken to the cleaners. What could have really gone wrong? Can I just take the ABS sensors out of the loop by unplugging them? Thanks in advance for ANY input...
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Pedal pulse during a normal stop is usually caused by warped rotors. Uneven or over-torqued lug nuts are a common cause. Your ABS light really does not have anything to do with your basic brake system. Having the pads and rotors replaced will not solve the ABS problem. The ABS pulse happens only during very hard (panic) stops and feels different (faster and lighter). If your ABS light is on that system is disabled and therefore should not be the source of the pedal pulse you feel. Make sure the ABS wheel speed sensors (behind the front spindles and on the rear axle housing) are clean before you start throwing money at the problem. ABS systems also use Diagnostic Trouble Codes just like the engine. You need a scanner to retrieve them (no flashout option). AutoZone or someone like them will usually run the scan for free. It is safe to drive when the ABS light is on if your basic brake system is in good shape. Don’t ever drive if your other brake light is on.
Last edited by IB Tim; Jul 21, 2007 at 08:37 AM.
New User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I have a simular problem with my 1996 5.8 Bronco....have had new rotors,pads,etc placed on both front wheels,but I continue to get the pulsating of brake pedal as well as vehicle seems to lock and pulls hard to the right.Tone rings from old rotors were used .Anyone with more ideas as to what I should look for? NMBronco
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Webster, NY
Originally Posted by nmbronco
I have a simular problem with my 1996 5.8 Bronco....have had new rotors,pads,etc placed on both front wheels,but I continue to get the pulsating of brake pedal as well as vehicle seems to lock and pulls hard to the right.Tone rings from old rotors were used .Anyone with more ideas as to what I should look for? NMBronco
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I'm not too familiar with mechanics, however, i own a '94 Ford Explorer and am having a similar problem. About a year ago my ABS light was coming on all the time... so i took it to a mechanic, and he said the Rotor was warped and changed it. Since then, the light comes on less frequently (maybe twice a month, and i drive everyday), but since i have been noticing a groaning noise and brake pulsating, and sometimes the steering wheel will jerk a little when i am coming to a normal stop. After some research and another mechanic (one i trust a lot more) looking at it, i have found that is the normal noise an ABS makes, however, it is doing it on normal easy stops (lot of times in parking lots). The mechanic had no clue where it was coming from and told me the brakes looked very good, and did not know how to pull the diagnostic codes for an older ABS system.... does anyone have any ideas what the problem could be, or places to take my truck that could figure it out?
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
pulsing, jerking, pulling to one side, are all sypmtoms of poor contact between the rotor and brake pads. either the pads are worn very crooked from getting stuck or cocked, or the rotor is warped or turned crooked as mentioned by Truckin above. It would be very unlikly that the ABS would have anything to do with this. Also as mentioned above, if the ABS light is on, then the system is probably disabled and not functioning right now so it cant be the cause.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I've been told that the rotors and pads are in very good condition and that it is not the cause... actually it started just after i had one rotor and pad replaced
It doesn't do it every time, maybe 70% of the time, and sometimes it wont do it for a while, and it does it just as i am coming to a complete stop.
It doesn't do it every time, maybe 70% of the time, and sometimes it wont do it for a while, and it does it just as i am coming to a complete stop.
New User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
In my case(1996,5.8 Ford Bronco) all new brake parts have been replaced,and the problem of pulsing and pulling to the right continues.There are, as I understand ,only two more items left to consider which my mechanic will be doing today : He will be checking the control module...if that proves out to not be the problem,he will next check the ABS hydraulic unit.To replace the control module less labor would be about $110.On the other hand,if it is the hydraulic unit less labor the cost will be for a rebuild about $241.
New User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
nm bronco here.My mechanic replaced the control module,and the hydraulic unit on this date,and the old problem of pulsating and pulling to the right continues.He has given up.The mechanic in CO gave up as well.Here is an overview of what has been done by two long time experienced mechanics: New rotors,calipers,pads,and sensors placed on the vehicle.fluid changed twice.Back brakes are ok.Control module and hydraulic unit changed out.Other mechanics have been consulted.No one has an answer for the problem.Any ideas out there?At this point,I am running aroung with a disengaged ABS unit. Thanks for any and all suggestions.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Warped rotors often look ok until you check the runout (< 0.0005”) with a micrometer. However, they won't cause the steering wheel to jerk to one side. If the pads were in good shape, I would suspect the calipers. If the caliper piston does not slide smoothly, it can cause the brakes to grab unexpectedly.<o></o>
This thread is starting to get fragmented. How many different problems/vehicles are we fixing? Just trying to keep them straight...
This thread is starting to get fragmented. How many different problems/vehicles are we fixing? Just trying to keep them straight...
New User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
New rotors where placed on the vehicle,as well as Two different sets of calipers and pads of which neither corrected the problem.yesterday,a new control module was put into it as well as a rebuilt hydraulic unit.The only code gotten during this mess was a code 16.Four long time Ford mechanics have given up and provided refunds.Its very strange.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
nmbronco,
The rotor comments were for the other guys. Your problem is different. Worn steering or suspension components can also allow the vehicle to pull to one side when the brakes are applied. It’s a long shot but worth checking if the normal stuff didn’t solve the problem.
The rotor comments were for the other guys. Your problem is different. Worn steering or suspension components can also allow the vehicle to pull to one side when the brakes are applied. It’s a long shot but worth checking if the normal stuff didn’t solve the problem.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
socalexplorer
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Sep 1, 2004 05:22 PM
RobertGordon
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
5
Mar 6, 2004 08:22 PM
mchild
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
9
Dec 22, 2003 02:11 PM
Steve90TTZ
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Nov 8, 2001 07:00 AM
