Noise and Brake Pedal Feel

During ABS braking, some brake pedal movement may be felt. In addition, ABS braking will create ticking, popping, or groaning noises heard by the driver. This is normal and is due to pressurized fluid being transferred between the master cylinder and the brakes. If ABS operation occurs during hard braking, some pulsation may be felt in the vehicle body due to fore-and-aft movement of the suspension as brake pressures are modulated.

At the end of an ABS stop, ABS is turned off when the vehicle is slowed to a speed of 3-4 mph. There may be a slight brake pedal drop anytime that the ABS is deactivated, such as at the end of the stop when the vehicle speed is less than 3 mph or during an ABS stop where ABS is no longer required. These conditions exist when a vehicle is being stopped on a road surface with patches of ice, loose gravel, or sand on it. Also, stopping a vehicle on a bumpy road surface activates ABS because of the wheel hop caused by the bumps.