After replacing the passenger side drive axle, the front brakes started acting up, making a grinding and rattling sound. Thinking it was time to repIace the brakes, I changed out the discs, the pads and the calipers. Still the same sound and brakes seemed to be failing when going down a steep hill. I am not getting an ABS failure light on the dash. I then removed and checked the ABS sensors on the front brakes and they appear in good repair. Reading various websites, I decided to remove the main 50 amp fuse for the ABS and now the brakes work fine. Would this be a faulty ABS module even though it did not show that before I removed the fuse?
Thanks for your assistance.
ABS problems
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dirkavanulden
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- Year and Model: 2000 xc70
- Location: Belmont, CA. USA
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Matty Moo
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I'd say the issue points to the axle or the wiring going down to the knuckle if you stressed it when removing the axle.

http://www.midwest-abs.com
Simplycleanpowerwash.com
1996 850 Platinum Wagon. ARD Green Tune, OBX.-Gone
1998 s70 ARD tune, EST exhaust, SE/R interior.
1999 s70 Plain Jane.
2000 s70 GLT
2014 Ram
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
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dirkavanulden
- Posts: 14
- Joined: 14 September 2016
- Year and Model: 2000 xc70
- Location: Belmont, CA. USA
Matty - thanks for your reply. I already ordered a new sensor and cable harness from FCPEuro. What do you mean by the 'issue points' on the axle?
Dirk
Dirk
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Matty Moo
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I meant the issue points to the axle. If it's aftermarket it could have a bum tone ring on it.
If this immediately happened after the axle work then that's where we need to be looking.
If this immediately happened after the axle work then that's where we need to be looking.

http://www.midwest-abs.com
Simplycleanpowerwash.com
1996 850 Platinum Wagon. ARD Green Tune, OBX.-Gone
1998 s70 ARD tune, EST exhaust, SE/R interior.
1999 s70 Plain Jane.
2000 s70 GLT
2014 Ram
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
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dirkavanulden
- Posts: 14
- Joined: 14 September 2016
- Year and Model: 2000 xc70
- Location: Belmont, CA. USA
Matty - it is an after market axle that I bought from IPD USA, I'll check with them and if they can't figure it out I will reinstall the old one. I suppose, installing a new sensor and cable would not hurt?
Thanks for your expert advice, neither the dealer nor a local indy were able to solve this other than recommending massive part replacement.
I will let you (and the forum) know how it went. Dirk
Thanks for your expert advice, neither the dealer nor a local indy were able to solve this other than recommending massive part replacement.
I will let you (and the forum) know how it went. Dirk
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dirkavanulden
- Posts: 14
- Joined: 14 September 2016
- Year and Model: 2000 xc70
- Location: Belmont, CA. USA
I changed the sensor and wire harness but the brakes still make the same noise and the car shudders when braking. I also notice a slight growling sound/vibration when I just touch the brake pedal.
The ABS light does not come on. Is this still a module problem?
I pulled the 50 amp fuse for the ABS and the brakes work just fine.
Any further advice is truly appreciated.
Dirk
The ABS light does not come on. Is this still a module problem?
I pulled the 50 amp fuse for the ABS and the brakes work just fine.
Any further advice is truly appreciated.
Dirk
- sleddriver
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Since you mentioned this problem began after axle replacement and persisted after brake component replacements, I'm wondering if your rotors are no longer concentric with the axle. There is a chance of this occurring unless you insure concentrically when reinstalling.
There are some references in the repair database on this.
There are some references in the repair database on this.
1998 V70 T5 226,808 miles. Original Owner.
M1 10W-30 HM
M1 10W-30 HM
- Clemens
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That shudder after just touching the brake pedal could be the abs pump (it is a shudder that lasts for a few seconds even after letting the pedal go). If this is your type of shudder check the wires. They go from the abs module to the pump and are prone to rotten insulation.
I had a triple brake problem fool me for a while
1) abs module needed to be soldered again cuz i was lazy the first time around (after resolder the loght stayed off)
2) abs pump insulation was toast (resealed with liquid rubber)
3) rear brake caliper was stuck
Why am i telling this? Because all the symptoms were closely releated and they all appeared this spring without any correlation. That made troubleshooting tough, fooled me a while.
If the problem is gone with the fuse pulled it has to be in the control module / sensor / wire / pump department.
I had a triple brake problem fool me for a while
1) abs module needed to be soldered again cuz i was lazy the first time around (after resolder the loght stayed off)
2) abs pump insulation was toast (resealed with liquid rubber)
3) rear brake caliper was stuck
Why am i telling this? Because all the symptoms were closely releated and they all appeared this spring without any correlation. That made troubleshooting tough, fooled me a while.
If the problem is gone with the fuse pulled it has to be in the control module / sensor / wire / pump department.
Summer: 1996 855 R
Winter: 1994 855 T5M
Donor: 1995 854 10V
Winter: 1994 855 T5M
Donor: 1995 854 10V
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dirkavanulden
- Posts: 14
- Joined: 14 September 2016
- Year and Model: 2000 xc70
- Location: Belmont, CA. USA
That is good advice. I will try all of those angles and report on my progress or lack thereof. Thanks a lot. Dirk
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dirkavanulden
- Posts: 14
- Joined: 14 September 2016
- Year and Model: 2000 xc70
- Location: Belmont, CA. USA
I replaced the sensor on the front right side and the ABS module. When I first started to drive the car all was OK but after a few stops the same problem started again. It seems intermittent though.
What other part(s) need replacement? Could this be the ABS pump? Air in the system?
Please help, I am about to give this car the boot.
Dirk
What other part(s) need replacement? Could this be the ABS pump? Air in the system?
Please help, I am about to give this car the boot.
Dirk
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