Brakes Quit?

[karenp]

Please Help- A year ago I was having trouble with my abs. The shop wanted $1100 to replace both sensors. I didn't have the money so the mechanic left them unplugged, and I have been driving this way since.

My truck had been braking fine up until today. When I tried to stop at an intersection, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor and the red brake light came on. The truck did eventually stop, so I drove it home and it braked like that the whole way. I checked the brake fluid- it was low so I added some and noticed that the fluid in the truck was a rusty brown color.

This has never happened to me before and I don't have a lot of $$$ to pay for an expensive repair.

Any ideas?

200 Ranger XLT 4x4
Supercab four door
3.0L flex fuel, Automatic transmission

 

[Hahnsb2]

Sounds like it's leaking somewhere, likely the rear wheel cylinders from the shoes being worn down to nothing.

 

[metalmacguyver]

Get under neath and follow the brake lines. Look for where it is leaking. It could be one of the hard lines that rusted through too.

 

[RyanD2]

I had a line rot out on me, it was one following the rear axle. I agree with metalmacguyver, follow the lines. So driving with the sensors unplugged worked and didn't cause any problems? I'm having an issue with mine as well, keep kicking in under 5 mph. Haven't had time to take it to the shop but thought about disconnecting them.