Brake issues

Howdy, I recently bought a 2009, been having weird brakes lately, have to push it pretty far to down to actually feel it grab, and when it does, it feels like a pulsating. Kinda feels like when you hit your brakes on a slick spot and the abs is kicking in. I took it to my local mechanic (very reputable) and they said it’s the ABS control module, something electronic? Has anyone had this issue before? Thanks!

 

what mechanic
are the brakes worn
what else shows the module is bad

the stock brakes are known to warp. Was this assessed?

big thread on this and upgrading to better parts. Went through this years ago.
Measured mine, they had runout. Cut them flat on a lathe. They warped again shortly after.

did the thread upgrade (Stoptech cryo slotted rotors with TRD ceramic pads) - solved that.

 

Newer brakes all around, they ran a test? And none of the speed sensors were registering? And apparently neither was the abs module, weird thing is, if the abs was screwed up, wouldn’t my abs light be on?

 

Yes the ABS light would be on IF: "none of the speed sensors were registering? And apparently neither was the abs module".

They sound like they need to be bled and the rears adjusted. The pulsing is coming from brake material built up on the rotors.

 

Your local mechanic saying it’s the abs module, maybe what he meant was you have air in the abs module. This is a very common problem caused by doing something like replacing a caliper or brake line, the reservoir drains empty, air gets trapped in the module. Some have been able to slam the brake pedal hard on a low traction surface like gravel, then bleed like normal, repeat a couple few times. Or use some techstream software to activate the modules. Dealerships have it, some shops have it too.

Since it’s a recent purchase you might not know what alls been done previously.

Regarding your symptoms. Low pedal could mean low fluid or off adjustment drum brake shoe self adjusters. Pulsating could mean warped rotors or possibly the abs kicking in.

 

See that’s what I thought, they just needed bled. I can post a photo of their paperwork where it says no sensors are registering

 

yeah I’m having a 2nd shop look at it Wednesday. If I had to guess it’s not the abs module being completely bad, I think my brakes would be worse and the abs light would be on.

 

Here is the paperwork they gave me from their scan.

 

You know that you can disable the ABS Brakes and you would still have regular brakes that work just fine as long as there isn't air in the system.

 

How do I do that? I’m thinking the issue is what you mentioned a few post above. The previous owner told me he replaced a caliper or something else in the rear, I’d have to confirm with him

 

30A ABS No.2 fuse kills mine.

 

ok right on. I’ll give that a shot. Without abs, probably gotta be more cautious when it comes to abrupt braking correct?

 

Some what, yes.
More so on slick surfaces.

I pull mine because I don't like how the ABS operates.
Under certain circumstances, I think the ABS makes stopping "harder".

So, When do I pull mine?
In loose dirt and mud.

This only applies to my truck. Other vehicles I've driven seemed to have a better ABS system. Again, this is only my opinion.

 

Hmmm we just got some snow and ice where I live, but I guess if it doesn’t work anyways I could take it out lol

 

Do what ever you want.
My ABS only vibrates my foot and the truck just keeps going.

Some say the later model 2nd Gens are better. I don't know?
I hope so.

 

Yeah that’s how this is, I press down on the pedal, a slight vibration in the pedal, still stops, but not very well.

 

I appreciate your input

 

You could pull the ABS Fuses to disable the system, but you will have an ABS Fault Light when it is off.

The rears do not have calipers they are standard drum brakes. There is a thread here that tells how to adjust the rear brakes.

 

Oh okay right on. Thanks!