serious brake issue

[hock]

Ok, heres the problem.

High speed stops are becoming harder and harder to do on this thing. I can push the pedal all the way to the floor and the car just eases to the stop. I have had the front and rears tire lock up as well.

Now besides the fluid needing to be flused (its is black, so I know that it is bad and is part if not all the problem) are there other things that I should be looking for? The ABS light has come on quite a few times but always goes out but never while braking, just when I am going down the road. The fluid level is good too, I just checked it today and its at the MAX line.

So what do you all think? Just the fluid or is there something more in the ABS system I should be looking at? Also, is there an easy way to retrieve the codes from the ABS so I can save money by not taking it to the dealer to have them read them?

Thanks

 

[venom]

your issues

1) There is no DIY way to read codes from the ABS module. Obviously a Ford dealer can do it, but call around to private shops as Snap On, Mac, OTC and the like make code scanners that can read the 96+ ABS module. Many of todays good shops have one of these tools.

2) Flush all your brake fluid before T/S the pedal feel any further.

3) Check to confirm that your front brakes have the correct pads on them. When looking at the rotor there should NOT be a "ring" of rust on the flat surface (maybe 1/16" or so) If there is a ring that is about 1/4" or more in width then your car has the non-SHO front pads installed.

4) If you still don't feel impressed by the brakes, try pulling the ABS fuse and see if that helps, maybe the ABS is malfunctioning and dumping pressure too soon.

 

[SHOMEX]

Try cleaning your ABS sensors and the axle rings those can get a lot of grease and dirt and not send signal correctly to the abs module; also do what Venom already said.

 

[93rev2sev]

Bleed those mothers. Correctly. If you are not 100% sure how to bleed brakes, take it somewhere or get someone to help you.

And x2 on the ABS rings. Get an old used toothbrush and a little kerosene and clean all the gunk out of the rings.

 

[BroOklyn]

yea i would definatly bleed them sounds like you have air in your lines

 

[SHOZ123]

If the ABS light is not on there are probably no codes.

If you can lock up the tires then the brakes are working good. Doesn't make sense unless your tires are el cheapos. Black brake fluid is no longer brake fluid. It is full of corrosive water and may have rusted the insides of the caliper piston bore.