ABS keeps kicking in???

boatbuster · #1 03-19-2007, 08:08 PM

Hi Guys, I have a 2002 Astro AWD and for the past little while the ABS kicks in and the van pulls to the left whenever I stop. The brakes were redone last August but I was told that maybe the shop that did the brakes might have put the wrong pads or rotors in the front causing this problem. Can anybody tell me where to start looking to solve this issue? It's getting very frustrating.

Thanks for any help!

old_master · #2 03-19-2007, 09:57 PM

Does the ABS light come on when the key is turned on? Does the ABS light come on while driving? Can you hear/feel the ABS pump run during braking? Are there any abnormal noises or odors from the brakes? Is the brake fluid level ok?

boatbuster · #3 03-20-2007, 06:51 AM

the ABS light does not turn on; I can hear the ABS pump kick in when I stop, like at a red light; I do get a smell like burning rubber if I am a bit hard on the brakes like driving on hilly roads but it does not smell like burning brakes; and brake fluid is fine. It almost feels like the ABS is only coming on on the front right wheel since the van will pull to the left when the ABS kicks in.

old_master · #4 03-20-2007, 02:09 PM

Does the ABS light ever come on? The ABS system runs a self-test each time the key is turned to the RUN position. During the self-test, the ABS light on the dash should come on.

boatbuster · #5 03-21-2007, 04:25 PM

the light comes on when I first start the van. It will come on for a few seconds to perform the self test and then turn off.

old_master · #6 03-21-2007, 04:33 PM

Have you removed all of the wheels and visually inspected the brakes? If so, what did you find?

boatbuster · #7 03-22-2007, 05:40 AM

I have not taken the wheels off yet, I will be doing that this week end. Hopefully it is something minor like pads or something like that.

Blue Bowtie · #8 03-23-2007, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatbuster

... It almost feels like the ABS is only coming on on the front right wheel since the van will pull to the left when the ABS kicks in.

Another possibility is that the RF brake is doing little or no braking, and the system is modulating pressure to the LF brake after detecting some lockup. If the RF caliper is hanging in the bracket or the pads are worn away, that could explain that scenario.

boatbuster · #9 03-25-2007, 06:55 AM

Took the front wheels off and everything looks fine. The rotors are not damaged beyond normal 6 month wear and the pads still have plenty of life left in them.

I was talking to one of my neighbors, you know how it is, you take a wheel off and all of a sudden you have an audience! He has a 1/2 ton chevy pick up about the same age as my Astro and he tells me that he had a similar problem last year. He tells me that it was covered under a recall where the sensors corrode and need to be replaced. I could not find it under the recall list, has anyone heard of this recall or had the same problem???

Thanks for any help!!!

Blue Bowtie · #10 03-25-2007, 11:32 AM

No recalls listed, but there might have been a TSB covering the sensors. Issuance of a TSB doesn't mean that work or parts free, but are intended only as a diagnostic aid to technicians. A wheel sensor which does not produce a consistent signal above 3-5 MPH should cause the ABS warning lamp to turn on.

boatbuster · #11 03-25-2007, 02:21 PM

The light only comes on when I start the van for the self test. Should I bring it to the dealer and have them plug it in for codes??? Or have them have a look at it??? I did not want to spend a lot of money on something I could fix myself if I could.

Would changing the pads, even though they still have a lot of life left help the situation??? Or can I clean the sensors???

boatbuster · #12 03-29-2007, 08:51 PM

stopped by the local gm dealer today and the service advisor told me that it would be my sensors and quoted me a repair of over $800. He says the sensors are $245 each plus labor. Can I just clean my old ones or do I really need to replace them???

old_master · #13 03-29-2007, 09:30 PM

For diagnostic purposes you can remove the ABS fuse from the underhood fuse panel, (probably a MAX 60 fuse). When the vehicle is started, the ABS light will come on for 2 seconds and turn off. When the vehicle is moved 3MPH or more, the ABS light will come on and stay on verifying the ABS is disabled. Road test the vehicle and see if it still pulls when braking. If it does, the problem is not in the ABS. Reinstall the fuse and diagnose the service brakes. Possibly a collapsed flex line, binding caliper piston or binding caliper hardware.

ericn1300 · #14 03-29-2007, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatbuster

Took the front wheels off and everything looks fine. The rotors are not damaged beyond normal 6 month wear and the pads still have plenty of life left in them.

I was talking to one of my neighbors, you know how it is, you take a wheel off and all of a sudden you have an audience! He has a 1/2 ton chevy pick up about the same age as my Astro and he tells me that he had a similar problem last year. He tells me that it was covered under a recall where the sensors corrode and need to be replaced. I could not find it under the recall list, has anyone heard of this recall or had the same problem???

Thanks for any help!!!

Yes there is a "a hidden recall" on this problem. check out this thread: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...idden+warranty

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