1998 Ford Windstar ABS related buzz noise

JEFF68

MEMBER
1998 FORD WINDSTAR
3.8L
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
205,000 MILES

My windstar has a buzz coming from the front, but only when driving between 32 and 40 mph. I think it is ABS related because the ABS light comes on if I drive for 10 miles at highway speed. Auto Parts stores won't read the ABS code. Car works fine otherwise. Could this be a sensor, pump or ABS module?

Wednesday, January 14th, 2015 AT 8:29 AM

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

WIthout hearing it, it is hard to say the possible cause. Have you checked to make sure nothing is loose or hanging under the vehicle? Does it sound like an electrical buzz or something other?

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Wednesday, January 14th, 2015 AT 8:44 AM

JEFF68

MEMBER
4 POSTS

It sounds more like an electrical buzz. I can put the car in neutral and coast, turn the steering, apply the brakes etc and nothing has an effect other than speed of the car.

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Wednesday, January 14th, 2015 AT 9:40 AM

JEFF68

MEMBER
4 POSTS

It is remarkably consistent and reproducable buzz between 32 and 40 mph. Seems to be proportional to speed.

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Wednesday, January 14th, 2015 AT 9:42 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Take a look at the backing plates behind the front rotors. Make sure they haven't rusted and are touching the brake rotor. Also, while you're there, check to make sure the ABS sensors are tight, the wiring is good, and nothing is broken with them.

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Wednesday, January 14th, 2015 AT 10:56 AM

JEFF68

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4 POSTS

Okay. Here is the end of the story. I finally found an auto parts store that would read the ABS code. It said right wheel sensor related. I took the ABS sensor out and cleaned the curd/corrosion and wahla! No more buzz.

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Friday, January 16th, 2015 AT 6:33 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS