Brakes shudder (ABS?)

[Popeye]

Symptom:
When i am gently braking to a stop, i feel a shudder as though the ABS is kicking in but more pronounced (Should not as i am braking gently ... right?)
This symptom is intermittent not always ...
However there been times where after stopping i hear/feel the same thing happening ... (not sure if i am explaining this properly)
The 'ABS feel' is much more accentuated, like the "brake/release/brake' function is delayed ... kind of as though there is pronounced gap between each process.

Troubleshooting up to now:
Checked both front and rear pads/calipers and fluid levels. all seem to be where they should be. Pads are 1/4 worn and lots of meat left. No undue wear on the drums or the rotors.
No Engine light either to check codes on.

Question:
What else can i check? Is there a ABS sensor that i can clean/replace? (Assuming it is the ABS that is causing this issue)

Thanks for your advise

 

[SunlitComet]

there is a sensor on each front wheel that can get dirty. It causes low speed issues. It can happen on slightly higher speeds if tires are oversized.



Brakes - Low Speed (Below 5 MPH) ABS Activation Bulletin No.: 02-05-25-006B
Date: January 05, 2006
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Antilock Brake (ABS) Activation At Low Speeds (Clean Wheel Speed Sensor Mounting Surface) Models:
1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade
1995-1999 Chevrolet Silverado (Old Style)
1995-2000 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe (Old Style)
1995-2003 Chevrolet Astro Van, Blazer, S10
1995-1999 GMC Sierra (Old Style)
1995-2000 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL (Old Style)
1995-2001 GMC Envoy, Jimmy
1995-2003 GMC Safari Van, Sonoma
1995-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the correction and warranty information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-05-25-006A (Section 05 - Brakes).
Condition
Some customers may comment on ABS activation at low speeds, usually below 8 km/h (5 mph). Upon investigation, the technician will find no DTCs set.
Cause
The cause of this condition may be an increased air gap between the wheel speed sensor and the hub reluctor ring due to rust and debris built up on the sensor mounting surface.
Correction
Measure AC voltage and clean wheel speed sensor mounting surfaces.
1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. 2. Disconnect both the front wheel speed sensor harness connectors. 3. Place a DVM across the terminals of each sensor connector. 4. Rotate the wheel with hand speed and measure the ACmV's. The reading should be at least 350 ACmV's. 5. If the reading is between 200 and 350 ACmV's, remove the wheel, caliper and rotor in order to gain access to the speed sensor. 6. Remove the wheel speed sensor and plug the hole to prevent debris from falling into the hub during service. 7. Clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface using a wire brush, sand paper, emery cloth, ScotchBrite(TM) or other suitable material. Be sure to thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor surface. There should be no rust or corrosion. 8. Check the sensor head to determine if it has been warped/distorted due to the corrosion build up or other causes. Check the mounting surface on the sensor head for flatness by placing it on the edge of a metal machinists scale or other suitable straight edge to measure the flatness. Check the sensor for flatness in multiple (minimum 3) positions/directions. If the sensor head is distorted, replace the sensor. 9. Apply (spray) two thin coats of the specified rust penetrating lubricant (corrosion inhibitor) to the complete sensor mounting surface on the bearing hub. Allow to dry for 3-5 minutes between coats. Use ONLY Rust Penetrating Lubricant, P/N 89022217 (Canadian P/N 89022218). 10. When the corrosion inhibitor is dry to the touch (about 10 minutes), apply a thin layer of bearing grease to the hub surface and sensor 0-ring prior to sensor installation. Use ONLY Wheel Bearing Lubricant, P/N 01051344 (Canadian P/N 993037). 11. Install either the original sensor or a new one in the hub and secure the sensor. Ensure that the sensor is seated flush against the hub. 12. Install the rotor, the caliper and the wheel. 13. Place the DVM across the sensor terminals and recheck the voltage while rotating the wheel by hand. The voltage should now read at least 350 ACmV's.

 

[bowtiefreak]

What he said, just went through this. It happened a few times to me then the ABS light came on and bypassed the system.

 

[Popeye]

Thx SunlitComet

What he said, just went through this. It happened a few times to me then the ABS light came on and bypassed the system.

Did u bypass the ABS system or it did automagically? If there is a way to bypass the system manualy, how?

Thx

 

[bowtiefreak]

When there is an ABS failure of some sort the failsafe is normal, non-antilock brakes. Same as pulling teh big fuse under the hood. If you do that you can see if the issue still happens.