my brakes almost killed me!!!!

[fordboi415]

Ok so I'm having a problem I just replaced the rotors, wheel bearings, and pads about a week ago and now I'm noticing my brakes give out sometimes. Like this morning for instance I was on my way to work and I went to apply my brakes and they felt fine until I pushed harder, my truck stopped but the pedal just went soft and pulsated a little bit and then the steering acted weird and I almost hit the car in front of me, its done this occasionally in the past but its now getting worse and I don't know what to do

 

[dirtsquirt]

Ok so I'm having a problem I just replaced the rotors, wheel bearings, and pads about a week ago and now I'm noticing my brakes give out sometimes. Like this morning for instance I was on my way to work and I went to apply my brakes and they felt fine until I pushed harder, my truck stopped but the pedal just went soft and pulsated a little bit and then the steering acted weird and I almost hit the car in front of me, its done this occasionally in the past but its now getting worse and I don't know what to do

that pulsating is your anti lock breaking, steering would be they are not working correctly your are getting different braking forces, on your steering axles

 

[Jason]

There have been some ABS troubles report to the NHTSA. I would check the website.

 

[Will]

Could be an unqualified mechanic worked on your truck. I would take it back.

 

[valleyvinyl84]

bring it back.

 

[fordboi415]

Nobody touches my truck except me and I've been doing this for 10 years so I know what I'm doing lol this shit started happenening when installed my lift spindles, and would only do it while stopping with the wheels turned but now that I've got bigger tires (31") and the 2" lift coils it steadily got worse, I was thinking the stock rubber lines can't handle the added pressure due to the larger tires, the abs light goes on and off occasionally as well

 

[Will]

The wheel bearing adjustment is critical with disc brakes. If the bearings are loose they make the rotors wobble enough to push the pistons back in the bores. This means your master cylinder won't activate the brakes on the first pedal push because it doesn't move enough fluid. That's my first guess, since you replaced the bearings.

The problem is never with the parts. You get to the solution more quickly if you look at what you did first. Get a Ford service manual and use it. I've had my truck apart 50 times and I still use it because I forget things so often. I know I'm unreliable so I plan for that.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

If your ABS is blinking then he shouldnt have any ABS at all.

When you replaced the hub/bearing assemblys you did get the ones with the ABS exciter ring right?

later,
Dustin

 

[MAKG]

I think Dustin may be on to something.

If the steering is "weird," one or both of the front wheels are LOCKING UP and SLIDING. If there is any steering at all, it's probably just one of them.

I don't think there is any functional ABS at all. Make sure all the brakes are getting hydraulic fluid (bleed all four), and that there is no evidence of dragging or other damage.

 

[cocoasranger]

For what it's worth, I recently had a front wheel locking up and skidding when braking, but only noticable as the truck dropped under about 20 mph. It seemed to stop well from high speed till almost stopped.

I installed a new master cylinder and the brakes are now better than they have EVER been.

 

[Ozwynn]

I think Dustin hit the nail on the head with the tone ring.

 

[fordboi415]

I want to convert to disk on the rear and was gunna go to the junkyard and and rape and explorer does anyone know what year I will need to find? I have an 01, oh and as for my abs the brakes work great when the abs light is on but until it comes on I have the forementioned problem any thoughts???????

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Its gotta be a bad ABS sensor or the exciter ring, or bad wireing. Best thing i could tell ya to do is go to a shop and have them diagnose it. You can throw parts at itall you want but its gonna get expensive real quick.

I think all Exploders from like 95 up had disc on the back?

later,
Dustin

 

[fordboi415]

well i said **** it i pulled the fuse a few days ago, i dont need abs lmao, that and there are several other people on this site with the same exact problem so ill let them find out whats wrong and go from there, and i cleaned and inspected all the sensors and they are fine, and the exciter rings are new so no problem there

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Yeah i dont personally care for ABS either.

later,
Dustin