We have an '03 that is "supposed" to have ABS in the rear. Since the rig has not been behaving that well in the Michigan snow and ice lately, I decided to view the rear wheels while my wife applied the brakes. The rear wheelsdid not "pulse" or "stutter" as we stopped. The front end will lock up and usually slides to the side which is not cool in traffic. The rear does not lock up as quickly and the fronts generally slide before the rear...is that what they call ABS? Obviously there is no control if all the wheels are locked. We have 61k on the odometer so does this look like a warranty type issue or a "bend me over" and take my wallet issue.

Dan

 

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)does exactly what the name entails. When you apply the brake hard enough to lock them up, the ABS Computer would intermitantely cut pressure to the brakes. This happens roughly 10-20 per second. By doing this, the tires gain more traction because more of the tire is coming in contact with the surface of the road as it rotates. You will also feel a terrible vibration through the brake pedal as the ABS system engages.Sounds like either you don't haveABS on your rig. If you did, and you were having this problem, you would be getting anABS light in your dash.

 

I personally do not like the ABS system on the D. In my opinion it was way too sensitive, and goes off well before there was any locking up. My other car is a 98 VW w/o ABS or traciton controland i prefer to drive it when it's really slippery out.

 

Rear ABS is really for towing purposes... But seing as the fronts locked up and not much happened with the rears I would check to make sure the rear brakes are working properly. If they are drum brakes the star adjuster might have seized up making the rear brakes lazy, and not function correctly.

 

its not that the rear brakes arent functioning properly, its that ABS kicks in before its needed. Before there is even a hint of lockup, ABS kicks in. I was considering taking out the fuse, but that may cause more headaches then it cures.

 

I had the same problem with mine. In the front brakes the fluid is not returning back to the master cylinder either because of the calipers or the flex hoses. Causing your brakes to be touchy and lock up. This does effect your rears causing them to lock up as well. So I just replaced the calipers, flex hoses, pads, and rotors. Problem fixed 150 bucks for the parts.

You probably dont have to replace the pads and calipers but i need to. While its in the air look at your rears.

Do you have disc in the rear?

 

drums in the rear

 

Yeh ok more then likely its ethier your flex hoses or calipers. I just did both to be on the safe side. If you can do the work your self its real easy. But if you have to get a pro to do it your looking at a lot of money. Are your brakes really touchy?

 

My rear ABS works as supposed to but it does not help in any way when braking hard since the fronts disc are still prone to lockup. up to 70 percent of the vehicle's braking power is imposed on the front brakes. I think it makes sense when 89 Daytona says the rear abs is mainly applied for towing purposes.

I wonder how much cost and work it takes to go enable front ABS? I know some model Durango's have full ABS option or you can get it as a option.

 

ABS is not something you want to get as an aftermarket product. If you want it on your vehicle it is best to buy the vehicle with it on it from the factory.