MustangMike
New member
I can't find any record of anyone having a similar problem like this, but wanted to ask anyway. '02 SR5 sport 4WD with 115k, bought it with 40k on it. Meticulously maintained, I do all of my own maintenance. This is my 2nd 3rd gen, so I'm familiar with the sensitivity of the abs/vsc system on these vehicles. Anyway, it has new brakes all the way around (within the last 5-10k miles), brake fluid hasn't been flushed in a while, probably needs to be done. Vehicle is 100% stock, no lift, tires are 265/75's...but they are worn 1/2 way (about the same height as stock now).
Problem - since I have owned it, driving through sharp right hand turns, at slow speed, with brakes applied lightly, abs pump pulses - I can hear it and feel it in the pedal. It's not enough to kick the abs "on", but it's that feeling in the pedal, if you know what I mean. Again, it's always done this - and never was a safety issue, so I pretty much just ignored it. Right turns only. Within the last 6 months, and on 3 separate occasions now, the more serious problem has occured. On slight downhill panic stops (twice for traffic, once for deer. One time the road was wet), all three times from 35-45mph or so, I slam the brake pedal down, only to have little to no brake response. The brakes "hit" initially, but then the pedal goes to the floor as if a brake line popped (if you've never felt that, it's a unique feeling to say the least!). The first time it happened, I was convinced I had broke a brake line. Turned out, nothing, everything was fine. When this happens, the vehicle continues to slow, but very little...it is FAR from what it should be for an emergency stop. The weird thing about it - NO abs interaction at all - the pedal does not pulsate one bit, as you should expect it to. After coming to a stop, and driving away again, the brakes continue to work normally as if nothing happened.
Now, I've tried to replicate the problem, over and over, and of course, I can't do it. No dash warning lights what-so-ever (when the problem happens or otherwise), no fluid leaks at all. The brakes feel absolutely perfect always, and when I try to replicate the problem, I normally get a nice straight, quick stop, with the abs working just as it is supposed to.
I can't help but think I have a problem with the yaw sensor, abs pump, or vsc ecu, but they are all very pricey units to just start replacing...and I would think I would be getting CEL's/ABS/VSC warning lights and error codes if one of those was malfunctioning? Also considered the master cylinder - but it doesn't bleed down at all, it's great. I'm tempted to go to the dealer, but you know where that is going to go with regard to tests/part replacements/etc...and if I'm a betting man, I would guess I end up spending thousands of dollars before it's even close to being fixed. Obviously safety is #1 though. I don't really want to disable the ABS because my wife does drive it occasionally. Also, if there were an accident with either of us driving, I don't want to have to worry about the legal/financial implications.
Does anyone have any tips/ideas on where to start or how to test certain components?
Thanks!!!!
Mike
Problem - since I have owned it, driving through sharp right hand turns, at slow speed, with brakes applied lightly, abs pump pulses - I can hear it and feel it in the pedal. It's not enough to kick the abs "on", but it's that feeling in the pedal, if you know what I mean. Again, it's always done this - and never was a safety issue, so I pretty much just ignored it. Right turns only. Within the last 6 months, and on 3 separate occasions now, the more serious problem has occured. On slight downhill panic stops (twice for traffic, once for deer. One time the road was wet), all three times from 35-45mph or so, I slam the brake pedal down, only to have little to no brake response. The brakes "hit" initially, but then the pedal goes to the floor as if a brake line popped (if you've never felt that, it's a unique feeling to say the least!). The first time it happened, I was convinced I had broke a brake line. Turned out, nothing, everything was fine. When this happens, the vehicle continues to slow, but very little...it is FAR from what it should be for an emergency stop. The weird thing about it - NO abs interaction at all - the pedal does not pulsate one bit, as you should expect it to. After coming to a stop, and driving away again, the brakes continue to work normally as if nothing happened.
Now, I've tried to replicate the problem, over and over, and of course, I can't do it. No dash warning lights what-so-ever (when the problem happens or otherwise), no fluid leaks at all. The brakes feel absolutely perfect always, and when I try to replicate the problem, I normally get a nice straight, quick stop, with the abs working just as it is supposed to.
I can't help but think I have a problem with the yaw sensor, abs pump, or vsc ecu, but they are all very pricey units to just start replacing...and I would think I would be getting CEL's/ABS/VSC warning lights and error codes if one of those was malfunctioning? Also considered the master cylinder - but it doesn't bleed down at all, it's great. I'm tempted to go to the dealer, but you know where that is going to go with regard to tests/part replacements/etc...and if I'm a betting man, I would guess I end up spending thousands of dollars before it's even close to being fixed. Obviously safety is #1 though. I don't really want to disable the ABS because my wife does drive it occasionally. Also, if there were an accident with either of us driving, I don't want to have to worry about the legal/financial implications.
Does anyone have any tips/ideas on where to start or how to test certain components?
Thanks!!!!
Mike
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