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wierd sound and loss of brakes


umina
12-09-2004, 12:27 PM
My van has been making this wierd KER-KLANK-CLICK-KLANK noise since I purchased it. The noise is brief and is only heard when the van is started, it lasts for a second at most. It sounds like its coming from right in front of the steering wheel. It has never interfered with anything until now.
I had thought it was maybe the wiper motor parking or something but now when I back out of my driveway (no noise at startup anymore) the sound is made and I lose my brakes. The pedal just sorta sinks while the noise happens and then returns. My wife is scared to drive the van. After this happens, everthing is normal (brakes work as they should, no more sound) when driving until turned off. Then after starting it up, after a few moments, the noise happens again. If I am on the brake, I lose it for just a second, then it comes back. The sound happens even if the brake is not being pushed. Anyone have this happen?? I am taking off the rear drums this weekend to inspect for problems but don't know what to look for. The shoes have plenty of pad left (so do disks in front). Brake fluid is full and I've never had to fill it. Could this be an ABS sensor thing??

1Bradymichael
12-09-2004, 06:16 PM
I wonder if your ABS motor/pump is cycling more than normal.When it cycles at start up it is normal to feel the pedal get jerky,spongy but it sound like yours is maybe a bit over active.I have a Olds Cierra that does this as I back out of the drive way each morning,and never bothers.The ABS works fine on it as well.

umina
12-10-2004, 08:04 AM
Thanks for the info. Is this unit under the hood or at each wheel? I'm sure if its ABS related its expensive to replace but if I can find a good deal at a salvage yard I wanna get this fixed. Otherwise I've gotta trade vehicles with my wife. :o(

1Bradymichael
12-10-2004, 08:25 AM
It is the valve/motor assembly under the hood with all the brake lines running to and from it.You can probably replace it yourself but if the brakes need to be bled you will have to take it to the GM dealer,as I think the newer ABS systems need to be bled with a special tool.But it might just be the motor that runs the pump. :smile:

umina
12-14-2004, 10:11 AM
Thanks for the replies, but I believe the problem has corrected itself. My power sliding door recently started not working all the time, or if I started the car during door operation, it would just stop. After sitting for a minute or two, or with the car running it would work fine. Then last night it barely turned over to start. Battery was toast. I pulled it last night and it was leaking at the positive battery terminal, was sitting in a puddle of corrosion too. I replaced it with new battery, van starts on first turnover, door works as it should, and no more abs cycle. Must have been low voltage or something, who knows?

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