brakes pusate every time

I have a 96 windstar that has a brake problem. Evertime I stop, the brakes pusate like the antilock kicks in, even though it's a gentle stop and they're no where near locking. This happens when the van is nearly stopped, like maybe 5mph. Shoes and pads are good, and i think the rotors are ok since it feels normal until it's almost stopped, then they release somewhat then pulsate. Sometimes this is accompanied by a buzzing in the pedal as well. Any ideas on what to check and how.

This happens on my 97 every couple years. Caused by too big an air gap between the rear ABS sensors and the exciter ring. To correct, remove rear drums, carfully clean the exciter ring (exciter ring looks like a gear around the spindle)and the abs sensor. Check for cracks on the ring. Visually check the gap between the ring and sensor. turn the ring so the sensor is located between the gears, and from behind the backing plate , bend the sensor bracket so the sensor is just missing the ring when turned. I carefully tap the bracket with a hammer to bend it. Be carefull to just hit the bracket where the retaining bolt is and make sure the sensor tip will not hit the ring when hammered. There is no published clearance that I know of so I just eyeball the clearance to about 1/32" or so.Slowly rotate the ring to be sure the sensor is not hitting the ring. Don't be surprised if you have to do it again in a couple years. I believe a combination of rust on the bracket and heat causes it to slowly return.
Clean and adjust your brakes, reassemble and road test, your problem should be gone.

Cougarman, add another star under your name! I checked out the rear sensors and they were crusty with rust and dirt. I took them off and used a file and wire brush on them, then cleaned the gear real good and adjusted the sensor distance and voila-fixed. Then I took the intake runner off and cleaned out the orifices, 4 out of 6 were clogged solid, CE is finally off. Now if I could afford the gas, I'd go for a ride.
Thanks again, 2 problems fixed, 0 $ spent, except $4 for a imrc at the junk yard.
PS
And to those complaining about the cost of a imrc, take your old one apart if you really want to be mad. There is NOTHING in that $250 item but a spring, a rubber diaphragm and 2 contacts. No chips, no transistors, nothing. It should be against the law, it is truly robbery!

[...... Then I took the intake runner off and cleaned out the orifices, 4 out of 6 were clogged solid, CE is finally off. Now if I could afford the gas, I'd go for a ride.
Thanks again, 2 problems fixed, 0 $ spent, except $4 for a imrc at the junk yard.
PS
And to those complaining about the cost of a imrc, take your old one apart if you really want to be mad. There is NOTHING in that $250 item but a spring, a rubber diaphragm and 2 contacts. No chips, no transistors, nothing. It should be against the law, it is truly robbery![/QUOTE]

I have the same problem with my 98 windstar. Unable to understand the process described above ".....Then I took the intake runner off and cleaned out the orifices, 4 out of 6 were clogged solid, CE is finally off. Now if I could afford the gas, I'd go for a ride..." . How is that related to the brake pulsation?

[...... Then I took the intake runner off and cleaned out the orifices, 4 out of 6 were clogged solid, CE is finally off. Now if I could afford the gas, I'd go for a ride.
Thanks again, 2 problems fixed, 0 $ spent, except $4 for a imrc at the junk yard.
PS
And to those complaining about the cost of a imrc, take your old one apart if you really want to be mad. There is NOTHING in that $250 item but a spring, a rubber diaphragm and 2 contacts. No chips, no transistors, nothing. It should be against the law, it is truly robbery!

I have the same problem with my 98 windstar. Unable to understand the process described above ".....Then I took the intake runner off and cleaned out the orifices, 4 out of 6 were clogged solid, CE is finally off. Now if I could afford the gas, I'd go for a ride..." . How is that related to the brake pulsation?[/QUOTE]


I too have fixed the anti lock problem of the anti locks coming on at 5 mph. I cleaned the sensors and adjusted them.... no more anti lock coming on.

Dan

Great tip on the ABS! I'll have to remember this one, or better yet, print it out and add it to my repair file. Never heard of that one :biggrin: .