2001 Ford Focus Front Brakes Lock Up

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PIXIE74
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 2001 Ford Focus, 96000 mi. with brake issues.
I took it to a repair shop to have the master cylinder and boost replaced. The shop said the first cylinder we gave them (new) was faulty, so we got them another new one. They said THAT one was faulty, so we got them yet another one, along with a new boost, since they said they got fluid in the one we gave them. 3 cylinders, 2 boosts and a month an a half later, I get my car back and I go to drive it to work the next day, and I get about 5 miles from my house and there is smoke pouring out of my car and my front brakes locked up. I took (towed) it to a different mechanic who has had it for a week now. They have looked at it, consulted with a few other mechanics, flushed the entire system, and they have no idea what is wrong with it.
It runs fine when the engine is cold, but after the engine gets to normal temperature, the front brakes lock up and it starts to smoke. It does this even when the car is only started and sits for about 20 minutes. HELP!!!!
Jul 28, 2006 at 12:56 PM
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SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the lock up might be getting triggered by the ABS system.
The ABS module could be malfunction as it gets hot and triggering the lockup.

You might want to scan for ABS codes if the light is illuminated. It can help with the diagnostics.

Here is a helpful video:

https://youtu.be/rTtAnsOlZU4

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Oct 12, 2021 at 5:04 AM

Suggested Repair

Scan for ABS codes if the warning light is on, and inspect the ABS module for a heat-related fault that could command the front brakes to lock.

Conversation Summary

A 2001 Ford Focus with about 96,000 miles had the master cylinder and brake booster replaced several times, yet the front brakes still lock and smoke after the engine reaches normal temperature, even while sitting. A second shop flushed the system and could not find the cause. The expert suggested the ABS system may be triggering the lockup as the ABS module heats up and recommended scanning for ABS codes to aid diagnosis.

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