Hello! As of today, I am a new owner of a 1997 F150 Lariat Extended Cab 4X4. My truck has 194K on it but you would not know it. For a northern truck, it is rust free and mechanically sound. I have always been a Dodge guy, but I am seriously impressed, thus far.

Now as for my problem. I am mechanically challenged, so please treat me as if you were talking to an idiot.

I am having some sort of issue with my ABS. Three times on my 2 hr trip home, my brake pedal slightly pulsated when slowing down. I was going less than 15-20 miles per hour when it happened and the road was not slick. At some point, the ABS light came on and later went off. However, it came back on, again. I have scanned this forum and have read a variety of causes. The general consensus it either bad ABS sensor, bad hubs, old brake fluid with air in the system. I would truly appreciate any assistance based on the information provided.

Thank you! Kurt

 

A pulsating pedal when braking at lower speeds could be something as simple as warped front rotors. If you are mechanically challenged, take it to a reputable shop that does brakes and get it checked out.

 

Thanks for the information. Actually, the guy told me it would need rotors and front brakes. When I applied the brakes, I did feel a slight shimmy in the front but the pulsation in the pedal only happened 3 times and it felt like I was braking on ice/snow. But the pavement was clear. Since it did not happen all the time and the ABS light remains on even when it is parked, do you think it is still the rotors? Thanks

 

The ABS issue is going to be something electrical - sensors, wiring, etc.

 

With a used truck with that many miles, I'd start with changing the rotors and brake pads, and making sure there's fresh fluid in all the lines with no air. Youre deffinately going to need to get the ABS problem checked by a professional.

 

i had the same problem with mine. i had to replace a front sensor on mine, it would happen if i was going under 40 mph. i couldn't stop at all! after i replaced the sensor it went away and i haven't had a problem since.

 

That's called false ABS modulation 99% of the time its caused by wheel speed sensors. Metal loves a magnet and speed sensors are magnetic. Normally just clean the sensors up and the problem goes away.

I spent a decade teaching techs ABS technology, and traction control and have seen this issue coast to coast.
Butch

 

X2 Could be a bent sensor ring too.