2003 Ford Explorer Problem with Brakes?

DLHENRY

MEMBER
2003 FORD EXPLORER
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
79,000 MILES

MY 2003 Ford Explorer Sport is not braking properly. Right as I press on the brakes lightly, there is a "thud" and then it begins to shake and then the brake is pressed down completely, I am jolted to a sharp stop and it takes me to press hard on the accelorator for me to start moving again. Is this my brakes? I just had new pads and rotors installed 2 months ago. Everything was fine until I starting turning on my 4 wheel drive last week. All of a sudden my brakes are not working. Do you know what could be wrong? I have no idea where to start.

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 AT 3:14 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

It does sound like a brake problem. When it happens, it sounds like the brakes are binding causing you to press hard on the gas to go. Try to make it happen near home so you can pull into the drive way and lift one wheel at a time to see if there is one tire that won't turn and is locked. Next, remove that wheel and check the brakes. Look for a loose caliper or brake pad in the front, or broken springs, or fluid leaks in the rear brakes.

Let me know if you have other questions, let me know what you find, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe

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Saturday, December 19th, 2009 AT 1:16 AM