Brakes

[JeffGA98]

I had my car in today to get my winter tires changed over to my All Seasons at a local garage. Earlier in the week I started hearing a scratchy noise coming from my front brakes when I would be slowing down (sort of like the noise you hear when you push on the brakes for the first time after it snows or rains). When I took the car in today I got them to check the brakes while they had the tires off. I only had the front pads, rotors etc. replaced at the end of February.

The garage did a diagnostic test and found out that the problem was my ABS was coming on when it wasn't supposed to when stopping. There hasn't been an ABS light on in the car since I bought it and the light is functional. They told me in order to correct the noise along with the ABS issue I would have to buy a new ABS Module at $600 or a used one both come with a major install price. Does that sound right or should I get another opinion? I mean there hasn't been an ABS light on and the brakes work great except for the scratchy noise.

[rixGAphx]

Check that all your lug nuts were installed and tightened.

Because that shop doesn't know sh!at about ABS, and I wouldn't even trust them to do tires.

The only noise an ABS system can make is the small 'humm' of the motors on the master cylinder.
NO noise like scraping or squeel at the wheels can ever be associated with the ABS.

ABS is always 'on' when the car is running, unless the ABS light is illuminated.
All that ABS does is:
1. Sense and compare wheel speeds (completely electronic; silent, no moving parts).
2. Relieve pressure from the brake line that serves a wheel that is locking; the relief occurs at the MC, and is so quiet it could never be heard.
3. Power a couple little motors that return the relieved pressure/fluid into the MC. (also virtually silent)
So you see, the ABS canNOT 'come on early' (since it's always on) nor cause any noise at the wheels/brakes.

If there is anything wrong with the ABS, the light will come on unless the bulb is burned out.
Check that the bulb works (turns 'pn' when you first turn ignition 'on', before turning the key to 'start' position.
If that lamp is working but never illuminates while running, then the ABS is fine.

Now, there maybe a MAJOR problem whith your regular brakes (the non-ABS portion), but that's a different subject.

Stay away from this tire dealer, and go to a true brake specialist or other trusted shop.

Good luck,
-Rick

[4kQuad]

Does your E-brake work??

if not, it's most likely the back shoes need changed and are what is making the sound.

Sounds like that guy has a car or boat payment he wants to make with your money.

[JeffGA98]

Thanks for your opinions guys. I have the car into another garage today to get a second opinion and the problem seems to have gotten worse. I will post when I find out what the problem is. I am very caring towards my GA and I hate it when something like this happens. But thats life I guess. :)

[JeffGA98]

I got a second opinion and the the brakes are now working the way they are supposed too. The problem was (not sure what the part name is) was a cog filled round ring that goes around when the brakes are pressed developed a crack. When the brakes would be pressed and it reached the cracked part if would make a scratching noise. It was a $90 piece, not a new $600 ABS module.

[rixGAphx]

It's called the 'tone ring'.
Quite rare IMO for it to have a problem.

Good catch by that second shop.
Thanks for reporting back, we all learn from each other.

-Rick