Cavalier Brake/Traction Question

I had to brake hard the other day and my car jerked, went forward and then stopped. It felt like my car slipt a gear and then braked, its an automatic. Then when I tried to test it out I couldn't get it to do it again. Until it snowed the other day and my traction came on and it did it again when I tried to break. I'm not totally sure where or what the problem is and hoped someone could help.

Your antilock brakes are working.

yep. thats the anti-lock brakes. it stops your wheels from locking up when making fast stops, or braking on ice so you can steer properly. You wheel's have sensors on them which tells the computer how fast each tire is spinning. if one wheel is going slower than the others, the anti-lock will step in. its really neat. i wish mine were working. lol

yep.. ABS... i dislike it, but makes insurance cheaper

I've asked this before awhile back. I got no response. We're talking about the ABS system. I have a 98 Cavalier 2.2 5 spd. I've had brake problems for almost 3 years. No one can even give me a clue as to what the problem is. The problem occurs at low speeds, Mainly when I'm trying to park or turning a corner in 1st. I get a slight grinding noise, then I sometimes slide a couple of inches, more if I try to jam on the brakes.If I let off then hit them again, no problems. The ABS light comes on all the time. I've replaced the rotors, pads, ABS speed sensor, ect. When I replaced the sensor, it worked great for about 4-5 days. Then the same problem reoccured. I went back for a warranty sensor, the manager showed me the old part and the new one. Installed the new one. Upon leaving the parking lot, I had the same light and problems as before. They told me the diagnostics said it was wheel speed variance. What the hell is that?? Any help you guys could give me would be appreciated.

... yea i'm gettin to the point of hating drums. I've replaced them twice in the past year.. its quite possible the lugs are over tightend. I did it by hand once and i got the same thing... I'm to the point of doing the rear conversion... just the price of 700 bucks is killen me.

fajita23200: The problem occurs at low speeds, Mainly when I'm trying to park or turning a corner in 1st.


Why are you turning corners in first unless first stopped, in which case you shouldnt be on the break. Never go below second on a turn.

fajita23200: The problem occurs at low speeds, Mainly when I'm trying to park or turning a corner in 1st.


Why are you turning corners in first unless first stopped, in which case you shouldnt be on the break. Never go below second on a turn.
I stand corrected, I got the 2 things reversed. When I park I'm always in 1st. When turning in 2nd unless stopped. Thanks for catching my confusion. But that still does not give me any idea about my brakes.

I've also replaced every brake part twice...still have the same problem...did you try the abs relay under the hood? otherwise, just take it out. aside from having an annoying abs light on all the time and manual brakes i've preferred it.

aftermarket rims are a killer on brakes as well.... so if you got them... you will be going through them faster..

... yea i'm gettin to the point of hating drums. I've replaced them twice in the past year.. its quite possible the lugs are over tightend. I did it by hand once and i got the same thing... I'm to the point of doing the rear conversion... just the price of 700 bucks is killen me.


if i know of someone that wrecked a cav within ur usable year - i will let u know - cause its not too hard to swap u just disconnect the lines are the block - pull the eb cables - an disconnect the abs wires to the sensors if applicable .... but if i get my hands on one i will prob be able to get it to ya for like 2-300+ship - possible less/ for the entire rear assy.

I've also replaced every brake part twice...still have the same problem...did you try the abs relay under the hood? otherwise, just take it out. aside from having an annoying abs light on all the time and manual brakes i've preferred it.
I've replaced many brake parts. But, to no avail. But, I'll check out the ABS relay. Thanks for the advice.