Hello Everyone:

I'm new to this forum and had a question about a problem I have with my 2002 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. When the anti-lock brakes engage the truck will buck and surge forward instead of coming to a clean stop. The truck is difficult to control during this situation and goes far beyond where it should have stopped. This has put me in extremely dangerous situations when I have to come to a very sudden stop. I drive cautiously but have been very lucky thus far.

This is not a problem with worn brake pads or rotors being warped. I do believe there is a defect in the ABS system of these vehicles and I've had the problem pretty much since day one.

Is anyone else aware of the problem? If so, any suggestions on how it can be fixed?

Can I disable the ABS??? I'm thinking it may be worth the risk given the potential for something seriously tragic happening due to ABS.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I dont think its a braking problem

Do this replace the TPS see what happens TPS= throttle position sensor

Or

Do you have any codes go to autozone and have them check for any codes most any auto parts store can do this for you. Free

This is what it looks like about $25 not all kits will have the bolts and gaskets but dont worry only the main part is needed those are extra just use the old ones you get after removing the old part and put on the new part the same way most need a torx bit to remove it

 

Thanks for the reply 98DAKAZ.

I know I didn't describe it all that well but its not really an engine or throttle surge that I experience. It's more like the brakes engaging and then completely disengaging causing the vehicle to continue to travel further than it should. When it happens the truck kind of bucks and jumps along almost violently. It only happens when I hit the brakes really hard because I need to stop really fast.

 

Forgot to add that there are no related codes other than an occasional P0442 - "small evaporative leak".

 

Do you have Rear Wheel only antilocks - RWAL or 4 wheel ABS?

Are you pumping the brakes? With 4 wheel ABS you don't.

 

If it is four wheel ABS you can disable it. Should be a relay or fuse you can remove. I would do this for testing only and have the ABS repaired. A good shop should be able to read the ABS codes.

 

I have never heard of an ABS problem didnt think it happened your life depends on them if defective a massive lawsuit could happen

 

Mogorisn, have you made sure the rear drums are not too tight? The drums should slide off with a minimum of effort. Also check the parking brake.

If you have 2 hydraulic solenoids by the master cylinder, you have RWAL and your speed sensor may be acting up. They go to a computer mounted behind the PDC. Could also be the hydraulic pressure switch on the solenoid array triggering the computer more violent than it should.

Do you hear the dump solenoid ticking when the event occurs? Mine sounds like a severe exhaust leak when purging.

If the lines go under the battery, you have 4WAL, and any 3 of the pressure senders or speed sensors could be bad.

 

Mogorisn,

I have had the same issue as you in the past. The problem with my truck was the Wheel Cylinders. Check your rear drums and look for any leaks. I replaced both my wheel cylinders on the drum brakes and the problem was solved. My truck would buck forward and surge just like yours and my rear wheels would sometimes lockup briefly when applying the brakes.

 

Thanks everyone. This is all very good information. I am due for an inspection sticker this month and will print out all the forum information and bring to my mechanic to have a look. I'll report back what they find.