Anti-lock brakes comes on and brakes are hard as a rock what is causing it

Asked by Guru3Y6MT Jun 30, 2020 at 04:39 PM about the 1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Change the brakes rotors calipers flush the system
out but every so often while driving it the anti-lock
brake system light comes on and the brakes
become hard as rock

2 Answers

101,625

Believe you have the Teves ABS system as most Fords of that era did, there is a pump motor that pressurizes the brake fluid and stores it in an accumulator. Two things may be failing here; the accumulator, or the pump motor. Both can be tested but you should look up the process in an older repair manual for your make and model, or ask around on any Ford forum for the procedure to test these. (I suppose the ABS computer could be another faulty part). The easiest place to start is making sure all ABS fuses are good and well seated in their sockets, and wire harness is good without nicks or brittle connections. Replacement of the whole system can be very expensive, and used parts in scrap yards scarce. Swapping out to a non ABS system is another option but that should only be done by an expert.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1989 Ford Thunderbird

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Larry Sturgis
    Reputation
    2,960
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,080
  • #3
    MrBlueOval
    Reputation
    1,570
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Mustang
931 Great Deals out of 22,596 listings starting at $1,100
Used Chevrolet Corvette
685 Great Deals out of 12,328 listings starting at $3,200
Used Chevrolet Camaro
608 Great Deals out of 9,224 listings starting at $4,899
Used Jeep Wrangler
3,229 Great Deals out of 59,493 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford F-150
6,091 Great Deals out of 133,226 listings starting at $1,100
Used Mazda MX-5 Miata
150 Great Deals out of 3,114 listings starting at $2,995
Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
125 Great Deals out of 2,493 listings starting at $5,699
Used Porsche 911
385 Great Deals out of 3,983 listings starting at $16,500
Used Ford Bronco
391 Great Deals out of 23,787 listings starting at $30,000
Used Ford Taurus
159 Great Deals out of 2,260 listings starting at $600

Used Cars for Sale

2005 Ford Thunderbird For Sale
71 listings starting at $6,950
2004 Ford Thunderbird For Sale
13 Great Deals out of 120 listings starting at $6,950
2003 Ford Thunderbird For Sale
13 Great Deals out of 114 listings starting at $3,999
2002 Ford Thunderbird For Sale
19 Great Deals out of 257 listings starting at $8,994

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.