Brakes seem to give out/shutter coming to a slow stop

[mmaclean]

I had my brake lines just replaced a couple months ago. Now the brakes seem to give out and shutter only when coming to a stop when driving slowly. It does not always happen though. I have to hit them hard to actually stop when this happens.
Checked the front pads and they look new, and there is plenty of fluid in the MC.

I'm thinking a MC rebuild or maybe the speed sensors need to be cleaned.

Any thoughts on where to look?

[ccookie66]

Here is a quick thought. It maybe the ABS system messing up too. Our Windstar did this when we first got it, it was the ABS break system kicking in and out when we used the breaks. Just my

[mmaclean]

Just another note, my ABS light does not come on, but I'm not sure if that means that it is or is not an ABS problem

[ccookie66]

How about the break light? Is that one on? My ABS light is always on.

[chevymaher]

Brake inspection.
Check rotors for blueing. Blue spots in the metal. That indicates warping.
Rear of rotor part you have to take it off to actually see. Check for blueing again. They have a history of chunks of the hardened metal being gone on the back. I don't know why I just see it alot.
Grab the calipers and jerk around on them. See if they move. Slider joints wearing/wore out.

Rear brakes. Extremely loose, out of adjustment will cause chatter.
Check drums for unusual looking wear indicating an out of round condition.

Sometimes it is simply a ceramic glaze from always using the brakes gently. This causes a pulsation. As it gets worse it turns to heat build up and warped parts. Do 65 MPH in a deserted area. Just stand on the brakes to zero MPH. This cuts off that glaze and starts a healthy wear pattern again.

When I worked at Fartstone people usually the old and women claimed they never rode the brakes with this complaint. We took them out and stood on them a couple times problem solved. Told them they were adjusted no charge. Nobody ever believed it was that easy to fix. And you can't make them understand it is good for the brakes. Being gentle causes heat build up which is the brakes greatest enemy for longevity.

Thus ending another session of brakes according to Garp.

[mmaclean]

Thanks, a couple of things to look at and try.
The van is mostly driven by my wife during the week as I have a commuter car.
I will try hammering on them at a high speed a couple of times to see if that cleans them.

[mmaclean]

No brake light either. I will try Chevymaher's suggestion and take a look at the speed sensors also.

[redfury]

Here, easy way to tell if it's the ABS system giving you fits. Pull the ABS fuse. the ABS light is going to come on, but it will be disabled. If normal braking returns, then it's the ABS system that needs attention. Most likely it's a wheel speed sensor and the first thing to check is the condition of the actual wheel speed sensor wiring for chaffing, etc.

[mmaclean]

Ok, from all my research it seemed to me that the speed sensors would be a good place to start. Got the rotor off with litle problem and when I tried to pry out the sensor it broke off. I was gentle and assumed it would ease out. I am sure it was the sensor as it was attached to the hub assembly and was attached with a single hex bolt.

So now I amd going put on some new rotors and pads, pull the ABS fuse and and see what happens, until I get to the parts store and purchase a new hub with sensor.

Should driving without the ABS fuse be a problem with a 2000 AWD Astro?

[shodaman]

Had the same problem with my van. Does not feel like it is an ABS issue and even the power steering seems at a loss. only happens at low speeds and it sounds like a mini fog horn.

The best test is to pull the fuse for the ABS in the engine compartment in take it for a test drive. I thought for sure it was the hydro boost but it was not.

[bunce1260]

I've had almost the identical issue you have, right down to breaking the sensor off in the hub. I eventually got it out and put a new sensor in. No dice. I had the hub replaced a couple of weeks ago and that took care of the issue.