# ABS Brakes Pulsing

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-brakes-pulsing/17111>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [July 23, 2008, 4:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-brakes-pulsing/17111 "2008-07-23T16:35:33Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 7\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![72mustang](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/7/7ab992/32.png) [@72mustang](https://community.cartalk.com/u/72mustang)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 4:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-brakes-pulsing/17111/1 "2008-07-23T16:35:33Z")

</div>

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer. When coming to a stop, the last few feet the ABS brakes pulsate. The light is not on or does it come on at anytime. Any ideas.  
  
 Thanks

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ken\_green](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/ken_green/32/816_2.png) [@ken\_green](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ken_green)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 4:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-brakes-pulsing/17111/2 "2008-07-23T16:55:37Z")

</div>

Pulsating is what ABS does when it’s working properly ( so no warning light )to avoid locking up the wheels. Now, why are the wheels attempting lock up under normal conditions ? Check the pads and rotors, front and back, to see if one of them is worn too much or otherwise grabbing .

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 5:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-brakes-pulsing/17111/3 "2008-07-23T17:06:09Z")

</div>

It could be as simple that he’s driving too fast.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ken\_green](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/ken_green/32/816_2.png) [@ken\_green](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ken_green)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 5:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-brakes-pulsing/17111/4 "2008-07-23T17:08:12Z")

</div>

true, and in the last few feet has to tromp a little harder to stop on the line.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![72mustang](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/7/7ab992/32.png) [@72mustang](https://community.cartalk.com/u/72mustang)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 6:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-brakes-pulsing/17111/5 "2008-07-23T18:16:30Z")

</div>

I wish that is all it was.I do know how ABS brakes work. It is under dry conditions, and you do not have to stop fast or press hard. I have replaced the front brakes with rotors and pads. And I used good rotors and pads not the ones you can see through.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ken\_green](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/ken_green/32/816_2.png) [@ken\_green](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ken_green)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 6:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-brakes-pulsing/17111/6 "2008-07-23T18:31:31Z")

</div>

Ford dealer tech advises; sometimes a sensor malfunction will not turn on warning light but scan for codes ( while driving ) and you might find that one sensor is not communicating properly. check plugs and connections also.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dialM4mayhem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bc8723/32.png) [@dialM4mayhem](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dialM4mayhem)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2008, 11:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-brakes-pulsing/17111/7 "2008-07-23T23:38:39Z")

</div>

Could simply be warped rotors. The rotors on my '97 Explorer warped rather easily.