Ok so for the first time since I bought my Ram I almost totaled it out. It had rained yesterday and i had to get to work. The roads had dried out a bit so i figured Id be ok doing 5 over on the highway, I exited off and the ramp was backed up like it has never been at that time. I had to go from 70 to 0 in less than 200 ft so I hit the brakes and nothing pumped the brakes and nothing, eased into them adding steady pressure and nothing. I figured the tree rittled ditch was better than the *** end of a 2001 Chevy Impala So I nailed the gas and cut the wheels and off in the ditch I went. Well thankfully I missed the trees and all cars and made it to work in one piece.

Long story short my brakes was working well only the front and with the ramp being slick from the rain still it was like sliding on ice. For the first time I noticed the ABS light when I first start the truck. Not saying it aint been there just saying I haven't noticed it. I have knoticed that in the past it will feel like one of the rear brakes will grab and then release.

Ok question is, where do I start. I know I don't have ABS I have felt that before yesterday, 2nd what could be the issue with my rear brakes the lines are there and are connected? I haven't pulled the drums yet to see what is and isn't in there yet. My ABS light never comes on but do see it when I start the truck. Also dont know that it matter but the old thing has 188???K miles.

 

Crap!! Can a MOD move this to 2nd gen please?

 

Done.

 

2nd Gen Dodge ABS sucks ***.

Most of the trucks only came with RWAL brakes.
Though since your's is an 01, it might have AWAL brakes.

 

have you check your brake fluid reservoir? when i had a brake line blow the abs and brake light came on and stayed on but i still had full braking power. before it blew and i just had a very tiny leak i used to see the abs and brake light for a few seconds after start up until i usually hit the brakes.

 

Yes the brake fluid reservoir is full. and I only see the abs light when all the "idiot lights" come on when the ignition is on.





Im starting to wonder If I need to sell.......................................








Thanks Jason

 

Took this today

 

Were you actually sliding? Or were the brakes just not functioning?

 

I know these trucks brakes arent the greatest but that shouldnt of happend. I hauled our boat to a panic stop from 70 and it did better then i thought...

what kind of condition are your tires in? Were you sliding or the breaks just not working?

 

The abs and brake light always come on right after start up, it doesn't mean anything at all is wrong with your brakes.

Seems to me like you were just taking unnecessary chances on a road you knew was slick, regardless of whatever vehicle you were driving.

Plus you're driving a two and a half ton brick that is known to not have the best braking system.

All you can really do is check all your calipers, pads, and that junk. Unless you won't to shell out some cash to upgrade you're pretty much stuck with what you got