2000 Ranger 3.0 V6 4 X 4

This occurs once every 2 days or like today happened 3 times.When braking the pedal feels hard almost a little pulsate in the pedal and truck is hard to stop (almost reaer ended another truck today) Almost like the brakes are not working.

I replaced the front calipers thinking one may have been sticking , the problem still exists.I am thinking the master cylinder or an ABS problem - HELP !!

Thanks for any suggestions or replies.

 

This may or may not be your problem as I have seen it on Explorers, Rangers and F-150's. Bearing grease breaches the hub seals and gets in the internal TONER ring for either or front ABS sensor. This causes a different signal strength between the left and right side causing the ABS system to thing that one wheel is locking up, thus causing the ABS system to engage. This is most noticable when almost coming to a stop. Then the ABS kicks in and you travel another 5 feet or so before stopping. When replacing the hub(s), it's always best to replace them in pairs. Why you ask. Well the sensor in the new hub will put out a stronger pulse then the older sensor. So to correct this issue, you would need to buy a new sensor for the other side, which normally ends up with grease breach shortly there after anyways. Also, the cost of a new hub with the sensor is just a few $'s more than just the sensor alone.

 

May also want to check for internal failure of flex lines. Remove line from caliper and have someone step one brake make sure that there is a steady strongstream of brake fluid. Upon completion bleed brake system completely.

 

Thanks for the replies - what exactly do you mean by replace the hubs ? Looking at the truck there seems to be a sensor on each wheel - can these be cleaned ?

I have located the ABS sensor on the rear differential is there one on the front or are the wires/tubing leading to each wheel going to a sensor ?
Thanks

 

The hub assembly is the unit that conrains the wheel bearings, toner ring and the ABS sensore bolts to. To see if any bearing grease has breached the bearing seal, remove the ABS sensor and turn the hub slowly while looking at the toner ring. Check to ensure that all the teeth on the toner ring are clean. When the grease breaches the seal, the grease gets onto the teeth causing bad/low pulses to the ABS system.

 

I did finally take the front wheel apart,found the sensor and removed it - it is full of grease as well as the teeth on the ring as you have said.I had to order the hub and will install ASAP.I cleaned the sensor and ring as best as I could and this seems to have eliminated the problem for now.As soon as the part arrives and I install I will order the other side and install as suggested.I will keep the forum infromed of the outcome.Thanks for everyones help.Lee

 

Thanks for everyones help.The problem turned out to be the bearing hubs.Replaced both as they had grease in the gear area and the problem has gone away !!