ABS kicking in on slight hard stop?

[DoubleDee]

A friend had asked me to check out the brake noise on her Escalade during a hard stop. So I test drove it, and what is happening is when almost stopped, the drivers side wheel "breaks loose" and causes the ABS to engage. Would this be a pressure problem or possibly glazing that is allowing the wheel to turn??

 

[GMBoy]

Sounds normal to me. The hard stop is causing the tires to slip, which activates the ABS. Of course, I am only going on the litte info posted here - but I'd say no problem. I work in the Arlington Texas plant where Escalades are built and know quite a bit about them, if you need any more help you can PM me.

 

[ChrisW]

basically if you are exerting a force on your brakes greater than what your tires have availible for grip (the tires are 'locjing up') you will activate abs. Some racers (auto-x HPDE, sacntioned road racing on sebring, VIR, willows) dont like it some do because its kind of a tool to tell us, hey, that was a little too much brake going into that corner.

 

[JTK]

Are the tires all worn even and up to pressure? Any wheel-hop when braking (hitting small bumps, etc..) causes the ABS to go #@$%! as well. Firmer shocks usually takes care of that.

Joel

 

[Tosh]

Not enough info. With otherwise normal conditions (tire inflation, good shocks, clean dry road), wouldn't you expect one of the rear wheels to lock up first?

 

[punisher]

ABS activation/pedal pulsation during slow stops is often due to a bad/bent/broken tone ring or an iffy sensor.

 

[DoubleDee]

This ocurrs on dry pavement, no bumps. It has just recently started. I was actually on a totally smooth road when this was happening. Just as the vehicle is about to stop, the wheel seems to turn "free", causing the ABS to engage. It is only the drivers side that does this.

 

[gmtech05]

This is usually caused by rust build up at the front sensor. There was a recall on the Chev/GMC trucks for this condition, but not the Cad. Take it to a dealer and they can "adjust it" through GM Goodwill.

 

[DoubleDee]

I happened to find the recall info on the other GM vehicles but it did not list the Escalade. I called the dealer, who stated the recall did not exist, but no offer to repair.
Maybe I will call GM customer service.

 

[gmtech05]

DoubleDee,

We have done a couple of Cad's for this "under the recall".
We just had our Area Service Rep authorize the repairs.
Go ahead and call Customer Service and start the process. Good luck!

 

[DoubleDee]

Thanks gmtech05, I will start the process tomorrow.

 

[Stooge]

Good tires have a big impact on ABS operation. Even if not worn out, new tires may solve the problem. New tires will grip much better during braking the older ones. If fact, it's a good indicator on when to change your tires - not when the tread wears out, but when then there is a noticeable drop in braking performance - which you are obviously experiencing.