ABS Issues???

[97camRS]

At low speeds if I hit the brakes too hard the car jerks and I can hear my driver side front tire lock up and the low trac light comes on. I can't drive the car really too much because if I have to make an immediate stop I know I'll end up hitting someone because of this. It feels like the rear tires aren't gripping which is why the car jerks I guess (feels like it's coming from the rear) and with the windows down I can hear the front tire lock up.

I thought the problem was because I had a fluid leak that was leaking all over the rear brakes, I got that fixed but the problem is still there so I am assuming the only thing it could be is ABS??? I'm not wanting to spend the money on fixing the ABS on this car either!!!

[T-Mill]

Re: ABS Issues???

Don't know about your problem, but I have a 96 and the ABS has been out on it for like 3 years now... I don't like ABS... I don't know if there's a way to disable it, but it doesn't really sound like the ABS would cause the wheel to lock up, it should prevent it, but it shouldn't cause it... What shape are the tires in? I had baldies on mine and they'd lock up every time I hid the brakes hard.

[BLLDOGG]

Re: ABS Issues???

it could be causing it. sounds like you need to have that fixed. you could be cool and let a safety system go with problems or be smart and get it fixed.

[T-Mill]

Re: ABS Issues???

blldogg, how much does abs cost to fix??? My ABS inop light has been flashing since about 3 years ago, and when I took it in, all the brake shops told me they couldn't do anything for me, and when I went to the dealer they told me something like $800+ or something, I can't remember exactly... I wouldn't mind ABS if it wasn't for the fact that it could cause ^^^ these kinds of problems, and it's so darn expensive... was the price I was quoted absolutely ridiculous??? I'm sorry I can't remember exactly what they told me the problem was.

the only reason I would suggest to disable it is b/c I havent had any problems with it inoperable, and I'd rather not spend the money that I was quoted to fix something that imo isn't totally necessary, I never slam on the brakes, the only time I ever locked em up was when my tires were bald as could be.

but if I were to sell the car, I'd probably get it fixed... anyone know of some typical prices to fix ABS issues???

[BLLDOGG]

Re: ABS Issues???

There is no way I could quote a price. It could be the simplest thing ever and something more complex. you can never tell about the parts prices either. I would need to know the problem to even give you a range.

[th3shuck]

Re: ABS Issues???

my abs light has been on for a while now and my car does the exact same thing. It only happens right after i start my car and drive down the street to the stop sign about 200 feet away. i press the brakes and the car jerks and my brakes dont go on right away but all of the sudden they do. but only after 1 or 2 feet nothing dangerous. This only happens about 10 seconds after my car is started. If i start my car and wait while before pulling out the low trac light dosnt come on and it dosnt jerk. I dont think its that big of a problem and i dont plan to get it checked out. I wouldnt worry about it unless it happens EVERY time you brake fast.

[97camRS]

Re: ABS Issues???

Yeah, I plan to take it to the shop, I only drive it like 15 miles or less a day with little to no traffic. I just usually drive my wife's car if we're going anywhere usually. I am planning to take it to the shop this weekend though if I get a chance to find out what the problem is. I was just seeing if anyone had similar problems and knew what it could be. Is there a way to make the ABS inoperable, and I can see if it does the same thing with the ABS off?

[crushedout]

Re: ABS Issues???

I have a problem with my ABS. It first started about 4 years ago. If I missed a shift and hit the rev limiter the ABS INOP light would come on and they would lock up. The light would not go off until I shut the car off. I didnt even have to stop, just turn ignition off while rolling and then back on and it would reset and ABS would be fine. Then it changed to a speed/accelleration thing. The speed that happens at changes after a few months or so but if I gain speed at a normal or fast pace then the light comes on. Sometimes I can make it 5 miles to the on ramp to the interstate but when I hit the on ramp the light almost always comes on. My car has jerked a few times like you guys mentioned but never had just one tire lock up. I do have a problem that my caliper is not closing equally and one side is wearing alot quicker. I already have to change pads after a year. My other pads lasted almost 4 years. If anyone has a clue on any of this I would be appreciative.