[DetroitD]

Got a brake situation, need some help deteriming if its a problem or to be expected.

The other day, while I was braking at a stoplight, my D hit a decent size bump in the road and the front suspension hopped a little. During the bump, the brake pedal went very mushy - probably an extra inch or so of travel. It didn't feel like ABS - not firm pulsing pedal feedback I'm used to on other vehicles. Also, the pedal pressure didn't seem to firm back up to normal until pumped. By the time I pumped the pedal once, the bump was over and the suspension wasn't moving. One pump and normal braking was restored. Whatever it was reset itself. I didn't see any IP Brake or ABS lights turn on. I recall this has happened a few times before, but not quiet as noteworthy. On normal pavement with average performance brakes, my D stops just fine and hard if I want to (given the size.)

I believe my D only has rear ABS, not front. Frankly, even in snow I don't recall the ABS kicking in because its such a heavy vehicle. Brake fluid is full. Front pads are okay. I'm going to take my D for a spin in an empty parking lot to see if I can duplicate it or get the rear ABS to kick in to compare pedal feel. Maybe find a wet patch since it just rained today.

Sound normal or sound funny to anyone?

 

[IndyDurango]

Sounds like normal ABS functions to me. Odd stuff happens over mixed terrain (holes) with the weight, ABS and 4x4. Unless you see an issue ongoing, chalk it up to normal.

The D kicked into ABS as it should as you braked. It was protecting you

IndyD

 

[TheDodgeGuy]

Sounds like typical Chrysler brakes. Mine never stops the same way twice. Sometimes the pedal is low and mushy for weeks at a time, then all of a sudden like someone flipped a switch, you can stop the thing with your big toe.

Keeping the rear shoes in perfect adjustment helps a little, but I really haven't got a conclusive answer as to why exactly it happens. One theory is that the calipers have phenolic (read: plastic) pistons in them, and they may not always work as good as a steel piston. Remanufactured calipers usually replace the phenolic pistons with steel ones, as they have been known to be problematic.

If it bothers me bad enough, I'll replace the calipers with rebuilt units, and add steel braided flex hoses, and that should take care of any excessive "mush" in the pedal as far as I can see it.

 

[Volphin]

ABS valves

Could have been you just jarred a spool valve in the ABS controller.

It's a Kelsey Hayes so it's not unheard of.

Bill

 

[tomk]

Wheel hop can make the ABS go nutzo! On both my-ex '99 and my '03, the ABS doesn't make a racket or kick back at your foot, it just feels like you're not stopping.

Tire pressures and good shock absorbers are important in controlling this.

?tom

 

[DetroitD]

Thanks for the feedback!