1997 Ford Explorer ABS plus brakes

GROWLER17

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER
V8
AWD
AUTOMATIC
95,000 MILES

I have replaced the ds caliper. The scanner indicated a front ps sinser problem. Replaced sinser (broken wire). Bled the system, according to manual removing lots of old brake fluid. Still have original problem of growling during end of brake depression. Have driven car two hundred miles since completion of work and the system has not reset, in fact the growl has increased. The scanner shows "no codes".
Where or what should I persue next?

7 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Check the tone rings for cracks, and the sensors for metal filings on the end.

If you feel the system pulsing the brakes when the truck is totally stopped, be sure the spark plug wires are routed correctly. If they aren't, the wires can magneticaly induce voltage pulses into the wires from the ABS sensors. That will make the ABS computer think a wheel is still turning, and the others are locked up.

Caradiodoc

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Friday, March 12th, 2010 AT 7:43 PM

GROWLER17

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4 POSTS

The problem originated while the Explorer was in storage (indoor on wooden floor, seven months) last summer. I drive another vehicle during the' no salt ' period and brought this one out of storage after the first snow. Nothing has been done under the hood, but refill the master cylinder during bleeding of brakes for over a year. I will check the spark plug wire routing, but have low confidence that I will find anything.

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Monday, March 15th, 2010 AT 1:54 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Can you clarify what you mean by "growling"? Does it stop when you release the brakes? Could it be worn pads grinding metal-on-metal? I'm going on the assumption you're hearing the ABS hydraulic system activating in response to thinking one wheel is stopping too quickly.

Have you checked the tone rings for cracks? Water gets under them, freezes, and expands causing them to crack. The crack is picked up by the sensor as an extra pulse per revolution. That makes the computer think the other wheels are turning slower.

Caradiodoc

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Monday, March 15th, 2010 AT 3:10 PM

GROWLER17

MEMBER
4 POSTS

It is not a metal/pad scraping noise, have checked that. Other people clam it is the ABS operating/pulsing. I think it is described better as a growl. Only happens intermittently, (more during firm braking) and only at the very end of the brake stroke and goes away immediately upon release of the brake. Has no affect on the braking of the vehicle, that I can tell, but I have not done the extensive test outlined in the tech. Manual. Because the sound was never there before, or loud enough for me to hear, it concerns me.

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Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 AT 8:51 AM

CARADIODOC