brake problem, antilock also?

Question

A couple weeks ago the antilock light and brake light came on and the brakes got a little hard, but they still worked. It started get harder to brake and it kinda rocked when pushing on the brake so i took it to a shop. The mechanic showed me that my back brakes are not working. I asked advice from a friend and they believe it is the master cylinder and antilock brake module. Can't afford the module, which ppl use to drive without antilock brakes anyway, but we are going to replace the master cylinder. I have been told tho that this may or may not work to fix the problem. I am trying to get everyones advice on what is going on. the car is a 1998 Buick Regal ls.

Answer 1

In many vehicles, drivers may experience a rapid pulsation of the brake pedal--almost as if the brakes are pushing back at you. Sometimes the pedal could suddenly drop. Also, the valves in the ABS controller may make a noise that sounds like grinding or buzzing. In some cars you may feel a slight vibration--this means the ABS is working. It is important NOT to take your foot off the brake pedal when you hear noise or feel pulsations, but instead continue to apply firm pressure.







Brake Light. Make sure you are not driving with hand brake on. Check brake-fluid level. Top off brake fluid if low and make appointment to check brakes. Driving with brake light can be dangerous; deal with this soon. Call tow truck or drive carefully and slowly to shop.



Step 2



ABS (antilock brake system) Light. Indicates either low brake-fluid level, stuck brake caliper or faulty ABS. Check brake fluid and make appointment to get brakes checked. Call tow truck or drive carefully and slowly to shop.



Step 3



Oil Light. Either engine is very low on oil or there is no oil pressure. Pull over and turn off engine immediately. Check oil level and add oil if low. Turn engine back on to see if light has gone off. If oil light is still on, bad oil pump (no oil pressure) is likely. Call tow truck.

Maintenance Lights



Step 1



Check Engine Light. Car's computer senses engine problem. Difference in performance may not be noticeable, but make appointment to have car diagnosed. This usually cost around $65-$75 to do. OK to drive. If problem is serious, computer may switch to limp-home (low-power) mode and you won't have option of waiting to bring car into shop.



Step 2



Air Bag Light. Get air bags checked. Problem could prevent them from activating in accident. OK to drive, but not safe in accident.



Step 3



Battery Charge Light. Alternator is not charging. OK to drive, but turn off any unneeded electrical devices (radio, heater, defroster) and avoid starting engine more than necessary. Bring car into shop soon to avoid getting stranded. When alternator is not charging, battery loses charge and car stops working.



Step 4



Emissions Lights (O2 sensor, EGR, check emissions). Depending on car model, these lights may indicate problem with emissions sensor or may light up at certain mileage, usually 60,000 miles (100,000 km). Get sensors checked. OK to drive. If problem exists, car might get poor gas mileage.

Answer 2

First if all did you verify to work out in case you have any codes interior the computing device interior the save away from truck that's ordinary to work out in case you have codes all you may desire to do is turn the main on and stale a minimum of 6 finished situations and the sprint lighting fixtures furnishings will flash out any codes that's interior the computing device 2nd element you may desire to do is locate out which tire that's that's grabbing and this would take an added pair of eyes, get on a dirt street or driveway and step on the brake and characteristic your helper see which tire that's that's grabbing. Then i might take that tire off and verify the wheel seal and brake wheel cylinder for leaks, 9 situations out of ten whilst back brakes grab this is with the aid of fact there is something on the drums.

Answer 3

first of all, don't drive with no back brakes ! suggest you get a second opinion, then tell them you need minimum repairs to make it safe. you can drive without antilock brakes but you sure need all 4 to be working.