1998 Ford Explorer ABS

MENKREWX2

MEMBER
1998 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
172,000 MILES

My ABS light came on while I was driving. Once I stopped and turned the car off, it went off again but the break pedal was vibrating under my foot each time I stopped until the ABS light came on again. What could be the problem.A bad switch maybe?

Also, once I got home and turned off the car, I noticed a leak coming from between the back tires right in the middle from a drum-looking device with bolts all around. The fluid was dark and smelled really strong and it seems to have leaked until it was all gone. I was told this was the drive shaft or differential. Did it go out? And does this part have anything to do with the "whining" noise when I accelerate?

I know these are two separate issues also, but can you give me estimates on repair costs for both please.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Actually, I think they are related. It sounds like an axle seal went bad if the gear lube is leaking near the rear brake drum, chances are either an axle seal is leaking (and yes could cause a noise if it gets low enough) and the brake sensor is there too. If it gets covered in brake fluid or gear lube, it will cause the ABS to actuate.

Can you take a picture and upload it for me to see where the leak is? Also, you may want to remove the rear tire (near leak) and check if the leak is at the wheel cylender or the axle seal.

Let me know.
Joe