Thread: Feels like ABS, but no warning lights...

So I've been driving my 2004 a little bit more lately just to get a feel for all of the new noises since she got shipped back with me from Germany (on a boat)... Before she shipped, I replaced: All 4 hubs, SKF. All 4 calipers, AC Delco factory new. All 4 rotors, Raybestos Advanced (friend had ordered them, car caught on fire before they arrived, $50 for all 4). All Pads, Raybestos (same friend). Bedded the brakes, drove for a month no issues, shipped the car. When i got her back, I had a big problem with ocean water and salt getting everywhere. Cleaned it as best as I could, power washed the underside very carefully so as not to damage anything, scrubbed the inside top to bottom, I did lose the DIC button board to corrosion, but the actual module was fine. The noises I have heard for two months now are most likely that I need: new bushings for everything, all that salt water practically destroyed the rubber. I need new axles, long story. Struts and mounts are on the list, along with sway bars. Everything else underneath is still solid, little bit of surface rust.

Now for my issue:
Earlier today, going around a corner I heard and felt something kinda like a low, regular interval grinding or like the ABS was kicking in. No ABS/TCS warning, no SES light, no warning lights at all. I slowed down, kept going for a mile or two, and it happened again. I pulled over, quick visual inspection yielded nothing. Ran quick Torque scan, no codes (figured, but checked anyways). So I babied her home, jacked her up and looked closely...nothing. Did a full scan...nothing. I am at a loss by this point.

I know the noises she made before, this is new and different. Any ideas?

If you have a bad sensor, the ABS can engage and not trip the ABS light. The car may think a wheels locked up, engage the ABS and to the car, everything is working correctly.


Since you have new hubs all around, it could be a bad wire. I had the same problem you described, but occasionally, it would throw a code. I spliced in a new connector and it's fixed.

Until the throws a code, you may have to live it. Or guess as to which wire it is. Maybe try cleaning each of the connectors.

when ABS is happening, no lights come on. Just like no cruise control light

One of my front hubs is bad and sometimes when i start it up and drive, the ABS doesnt malfunction/shut off and ill brake and get the vibrations in the brake pedal(indicating its working/taking over my braking)

Then usually it shuts off, aka ABS & Trac Off lights become lit.

I looked at it yesterday, one of the wires on the driver's side front hub seems damaged, I'll have to pull the wheel off to get a better look.

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Yup... wires were almost cut completely through. I guess cut, splice, solder and heat shrink after work today.