I have noticed an occasional hard pedal when braking. It feels like the ABS is kicking in. It doesn't happen often, but I have felt it a few times recently, maybe when braking on a rough road. I'm just getting used to driving this car as I took it over from my wife.

A year ago, I sent the abs module off to Victor to repair with great results. Before that I replaced a tie rod end, but nothing recently. Is this normal behavior? What should I check?

Thanks, David

You may want to check the tone rings on the axle, (aka reluctor or ABS rings). I have a bad one (rusty, cracked and missing a tooth) and ABS activates (pedal vibration & random noise). It is easier/cheaper to change out the complete axle assembly than buy the ring and replace it (Dorman has rings).

A 'hard' pedal is caused by lack of vacuum. ABS kicking in feels like the pedal kicks back rapidly.

The next time you start the car, push down on the brake hard a couple of times before the engine is started. Then push on the pedal hard. When the engine starts, the pedal should go down at least 1 inch as the vacuum is created by the idling engine. This is good. If the pedal dows not depress, the the oneway valve is probably in need of replacement.