Brake Problem - 97 EB
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Brake Problem - 97 EB
The brakes have been acting up on my 97 Explorer lately.
The ABS light comes on intermittently, and occassionally the brake pedal feels spongy just as I come to a stop. It seems fine as I slow the truck down, but for the last 5 feet or so, it's scary.
A friend suggested it's likely the master cylinder needs replacing, but I thought I'd ask the FTE group before I started working on it.
The pads and rotors were replaced about 3 years ago.
The ABS light comes on intermittently, and occassionally the brake pedal feels spongy just as I come to a stop. It seems fine as I slow the truck down, but for the last 5 feet or so, it's scary.
A friend suggested it's likely the master cylinder needs replacing, but I thought I'd ask the FTE group before I started working on it.
The pads and rotors were replaced about 3 years ago.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 7
From: pacific northwest
Did you check the fluid level in the master cylinder? If the brakes were done 3 years ago it is possible that you need to add more fluid. As the pads wear down the fluid level will drop...try checking it and topping off and see how that works.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
My 96 X is doing the exact same thing. When I approach a stop (<5mph) you can hear the ABS module kicking in, pedal pulses, etc. Even noticed the unit kick in when rolling to a stop without applying the brakes. Read that it might be the sensors so I pulled the front sensors and one had a glob of grease (?) on it. Cleaned both front sensors, replaced. and it still does it. I can feel it grab as I come to a stop and even seems to pull left when it kicks in. I checked resistance on the sensors and got a reading (not open circuit) so I guess they are good. I don't get an ABS light, just the activation of the system. Don't know if a bad or low master would cause this or not. If your getting an ABS light it is probably setting a code that can be read with the right scan tool. I'm stymied over this. Could just pull the fuses to the ABS but the light would stay on all the time.
So I have not yet solved the problem, but we are not alone. Please post if you solve this problem or end up getting it diagnosed.
Good luck,
EE
So I have not yet solved the problem, but we are not alone. Please post if you solve this problem or end up getting it diagnosed.
Good luck,
EE
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
I called the local repair shop to get their take on it.
They said it needs to be hooked up to a diagnostic tool for them to get a better understanding of what is happening.
The down side is it's $75 just for the hookup.
I did check the master cylinder, and it's full.
I've booked an appointment for this Wednesday in the am. I just don't have the time to get too deep into the problem.
When I find an answer, I'll definitely post it here.
Maybe it'll save some $$$ for anyone else who has this issue.
They said it needs to be hooked up to a diagnostic tool for them to get a better understanding of what is happening.
The down side is it's $75 just for the hookup.
I did check the master cylinder, and it's full.
I've booked an appointment for this Wednesday in the am. I just don't have the time to get too deep into the problem.
When I find an answer, I'll definitely post it here.
Maybe it'll save some $$$ for anyone else who has this issue.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Had the truck in the other day, and before they put it on the diagnostic, they found one of the brake pads jammed on the passenger side.
After much $$$ later, the truck no longer pulls to the right!
I still have the issue with the ABS.
They suggested it may be the wheel bearing going, as the sensor is tied to this??? May even be a bad sensor.
Again, time isn't on my side, so I'll have to have the diagnostic done later this week. Hopefully I can provide a solution on here soon.
After much $$$ later, the truck no longer pulls to the right!
I still have the issue with the ABS.
They suggested it may be the wheel bearing going, as the sensor is tied to this??? May even be a bad sensor.
Again, time isn't on my side, so I'll have to have the diagnostic done later this week. Hopefully I can provide a solution on here soon.
