Hi, pretty new to the forum, but have already gotten lots of good info

My question is: I changed the brake pads and rotors on my 98 F150 4x4 Extended cab. When I went to lock the brakes up on the ice afterwards, just testing stuff out, the ABS didn't kick on. Thinking I wasn't going fast enough (since some vehicle need to be in excess of 15mph to have it kick on), I tried it faster, but no luck. My ABS light isn't on, and the brakes function perfectly otherwise. What do I have to do to get the ABS to kick on? Thank you in advance!

 

Do you have 4 wheel abs or rear only abs? [being a 98 more than likely RABS which is a poor performer] If your on ice there is probably not enough resistance to trigger the abs.

 

I'm not sure if it has only rear ABS or not...where would I pull that info? The truck has front disc/rear drums. The ABS light comes on as it should on start up, but goes right off like it should also...so there isn't any problem registering with the computer. I have never heard of them not activating because there isn't enough resistance, that would be very interesting if that was the cause. I do know they did work, because on a muddy gravel road they did kick on.

I have recently just put in a new transmission as well...

Do I possibly need to bleed the brakes? Someone told me that you need to bleed them in a certain sequence? Sounded a little strange, but I'd rather have them working so I'm willing to try whatever!

 

Sorry I cant help with your abs not working, but in order to see if you have 4 wheel ABS, you will see a white wrapped wire, and plug going to the back of the hub on the front wheels. But hes probably right, its more than likely RABS

 

JRV, keep in mind that the ABS system is separate from the brake system. The ABS is a electronic sensor system and the brakes are a mechanical/ hydraulic system. If your brakes are working and the pedal feels normal to you the brakes are ok.

 

Hety Torkum, I appreciate it!

The brakes absolutely feel normal, with plenty of stopping power. Do you think its possible there is a bad sensor for the ABS, or a blown fuse? It is 4 degrees with a -20 windchill right now, would that have any effect?

Sorry for so many questions, I just HATE taking my vehicles to a shop, and don't want to pay someone for A) something I can do myself, or B) pay them to tell me nothing is even wrong!

 

I have a 99 and when I changed the brakes I had the same problem. I was told that when you push the pistons back but dont open the bleeder valves, you mess up the abs.

 

Interesting comment from Amahay about the brake bleeder. Anyone else was to chime in?

 

Bill, I've heard that before. I was told to open the bleeder on the caliper before you compressed the piston back into the caliper. Of course this was after I had replaced the rear pads on my 01 Screw 4X2. My four wheel anti-lock still works on my truck but every once in a while it acts like the calipers doesn't want to release when I'm taking off real slow or when I'm rolling real slow. As soon as I speed up it acts like they release and work perfectly fine. I have even checked the temps on the rear and front rotors to see if they are sticking and causing to much heat. Not that big of a temp difference.

 

So is it possible that just bleeding the brakes would take care of the problem? I went through all the fuses and found none to be faulty...this is driving me nuts!

Amahay - did you ever fix the problem on your truck?