[HighChi]

Hello

I need your help...i have a 2003 Highlander AWD. i live in Chicago. the weather gets pretty slick here.

I noticed while driving in the snow that the ABS engages pretty quickly thus causing a loss of control in the snow. i am used to a slow gradual increase in brake performance and also a gradual "feel" in the brake pedal.

I wish i could explain what i feel in the pedals...its like there are really springy when i depress alll the way...

its like its real soft then get springy at the end and the brakes lock up thena ABS kicks in.

Is this an issue with Calipers? Brake fluid? Wrong pads???

i hope i explained my dilemma...basically my ABS engages too fast it seems.

 

[HighChi]

Start by bleeding the brakes.

ABS engages because a tire is beginning to lock up.

I also find that cheap, MPG-ECO, or long life tires are horrible for traction.

Thanks alot for getting back to me but can you please explain a be land on bleeding the brakes?

What is gOin on with the breaks? Should I drIn the brake fluid?

 

[HighChi]

Don't drain the brake fluid, you won't be able to refill it without bleeding the brakes and probably taking it to a mechanic to have them use a scantool to cycle the ABS pump.

It sounds to me that likely some of the caliper slide pins are sticking. Really, you will need to take this to a mechanic to at least take a look at. If you're not familiar with how to bleed brakes this won't be a good time to learn, with a secondary performance problem and the relative cold this time of year.

Thanks for getting back to me. i have no intention of being a mechanic. i just want to be knowledable enough so that when i do talk to a mechanic i tell communicate with them intelligently. I have some doubt on the last shop that did my brakes. i think they rushed intot them.

I want to take my car to another shop and have do a thorough inspection...what should i tell them to check closely...Thanks alot...my wife wiped out because of this int he snow...she almost was badly hurt. thanks