1999 Gmc Abs Trouble

plott hound · July 21, 2009

hello people,i have a 1999 gmc sierra,2wd 1/2 ton p/u.recently my brakes started malfunctioning at low speeds.this mostly occurs when turning,peddle pulsates and abs groans.have been doing some reading at it seems to be a brake sensor problem.was wondering the best and cheapest way to fix this.

thanks in advance.

bill190 · July 22, 2009

I don't associate the word cheap(inexpensive) with ABS!

Anyway probably best to find someone who can read the codes for you and tell you what is wrong if the ABS light is on.

Other than that, I would not work on a system like this without the help of a GM factory service manual set. For myself, I can read how the system *should* work, then do a bit of testing and see what is not working as it should. Then replace the problem part based on that (or fix wiring problem, whatever). But that is $135 or so for the books.

plott hound · July 25, 2009

thanks for the reply bud.i just did a temp fix on it,pulled the ABS fuse.now brakes feel great just like my '96 dodge.

pss3757 · July 26, 2009

probably a sensor...but let a shop (that has code reade) check it out. could be something simple, who knows.

ss502gmc · July 26, 2009

thanks for the reply bud.i just did a temp fix on it,pulled the ABS fuse.now brakes feel great just like my '96 dodge.

Ive been having the same problem and i just pulled the fuse also, i like easy fixes. I just wish the idiot lights wouldnt stay on. But to fix it the right way i was told i gotta replace the hub bearing assemblies as the wheel speed sensor is part of the hub which is way to pricey for me right now!

bill190 · July 26, 2009

I recently stopped at a dealer to ask how much for a new replacement ABS for a friend's Suburban... $1,400.00 for just the part!

(I know about the rebuild option too, was just curious...)

ss502gmc · July 26, 2009

I recently stopped at a dealer to ask how much for a new replacement ABS for a friend's Suburban... $1,400.00 for just the part!

(I know about the rebuild option too, was just curious...)

I love how they design a part that malfuctions on a ton of trucks yet they charge astronaumical prices for replacements. Four out of the six people i know with these year trucks have the same problem and not one of us fall under the "recall" they have for the speed sensors!

kchasse · July 28, 2009

For this particular problem you do not have to replace the entire assembly. Remove the tire, caliper and rotor. Then follow the abs wire to the hub assembly. You will see a small allen bolt that holds the sensor in the hub. Remove this bolt and gently pull out the sensor. You can use pliers but pull straight out while rotating back and forth. Once out take a file or sandpaper and scrape the rust off of the mounting surface, apply anti seize, reinstall sensor and you are good to go. Works like a charm and guaranteed to never reoccur. Do both front sensors. May only be one of them but it only takes a minute. Let me know if it solves your problem.

coryp12 · August 25, 2009

They had a recall a while back on the speed sensors on the front hubs. When they get dirt/rust from salt etc in them they misread and cause the ABS to activate when it isn't needed like under light braking on concrete. My 01 never had this problem but I had the recall done and they cleaned the sensors for free under the recall.

The recall might not be active still but this might help you get to the bottom of your problem a little faster I hope.