I've got an odd brake problem. Recently I've had to apply more pressure to the brake pedal to stop than I used to. A few times my ABS has come on when I had to make a slightly quicker stop. I just put new pads on the front (about 3000 miles ago) and I initially had no problems.

I've checked the brakes and the master cylinder and everything appears fine. Any suggestions?

 

adjust the rear drum brakes up. That should help a lot.

 

I made sure to adjust the drums up when I replaced the front pads, but I'll try it again.

 

Install any aftermarket electronics? A CB antenna wire and other aftermarket wiring can screw up ABS computers, occasionally.

-Jon

 

I do have a CB hardwired into the truck's electrical system, but I only use the antenna when I go on long trips (it's a magnetic-mount). I installed it not long after I bought the truck in '98, and the brake problem has just emerged recently.

I'm curious if anyone else has had similar problems to mine after installing new front pads.

 

shot in the dark here.

Did you turn your rotors? They may be warped. Something to consider.

Do you have 4 wheel ABS? Clean the sensors and exiter rings off in the front. That may be causing some falsing of the ABS system. Or you may have knocked one of them lose or something.

 

Sounds like you might have knocked one loose or one of the wires is shorting out. Did you open the bleeder screw when you pushed the caliper piston back? I have heard ABS sensor can be damaged besides ruining a caliper. If you can't get it fixed I reccommend taken it to a dealer or qualified brake shop because in my opinion brakes is something that is diffently needed.

 

Matt90GT,
Did not turn the rotors when I did the brakes, but they appeared fine. I only have rear ABS, and the sensors are fairly clean.

KYFordFreak,
I made sure to open the bleeder when I messed with the brakes. I wasn't aware to the the potential damage to the ABS if this isn't done, but I sure didn't want to ruin any of the other components.

The ABS has only acted up a few times, I'm a little more concerned about the increase in pedal pressure to brake. Anyway, I just received a coupon in the mail for a free brake inspection at Midas, so I think I'll take the truck to them to see if they can shed any light on the problem. I'll let ya'll know what the diagnosis is.

Thanks

 

"Clean the sensors and exiter rings off in the front"
Where are these located. I have the same problem since changing my front brakes. I too opened up the bleeder screw to relieve pressure on the piston. now the Anti-lock brakes never come on.

97 XLT Supercab 4x4.

 

Find a big open parking lot and reverse the truck at a good rate of speed then apply the brakes hard many times over and over this will work. adjusters on rears suck.

 

i have the same problem with my brakes to and somtimes they work good and the all of a sudden they will get real soft.

 

I'm lookin for that lot now! Hell, hope there are a couple of Hondas around!