ABS problem

[flazz]

I have a '92 Lumina APV.

my abs light has been on since i got it.

a while back i had a shattered brake pad and it would shake the whole car violently; i replaced all 4 pads, and both calipers, (the rotors were perfect).

the abs light is still on.

it no longer shakes violently, but it feels like the van is being slightly jerked to one side while accellerating, decellerating, and turning. you can also hear noises when this happens.

i'm guessing that the abs is somehow breaking a little bit. does anyone have any ideas?

[jeffcoslacker]

The ABS system cannot apply the brakes, it only serves to modulate line pressure when active. You probably have a bad wheel speed sensor or damaged ring teeth at one wheel that is setting the light off. It is normal for FWD to torque in one direction under heavy acceleration, if you feel it all the time, you need to have the suspension, drive axles and and engine cradle checked for defect.

[richtazz]

The hub bearings contain the ABS sensor on this vehicle. Your hub(s) has gone bad, and needs replacing. Not a hard job, once the brake rotor is off, it's a few more bolts and the hub nut. parts should be around $100 each, available at any parts retailer.

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by richtazz

The hub bearings contain the ABS sensor on this vehicle. Your hub(s) has gone bad, and needs replacing. Not a hard job, once the brake rotor is off, it's a few more bolts and the hub nut. parts should be around $100 each, available at any parts retailer.

Damn your'e good. I forgot about that setup.

[richtazz]

hey Jeff, are you a parts guy, current/former tech or what? I think you told us once, but I forget. you give good solid advice, and I will pick your brain when I need to. I watch these posts and I don't think I've ever seen you give bad advice.

[jeffcoslacker]

Thanks, but I tend to go off on the wrong track a lot, too. I used to work in repair shops, last one for 12 years. While the place was definitely NOT on the cutting edge of repair, I did my best to stay up-to-date, reading industry mags and Chilton's guides, and attending manufacturer-sponsored training when able. I can usually think my way through a problem, having some familiarity with how the system operates and using logical progression, but my actual experience with high-tech diagnostics is limited.