2000 Ford Ranger Lurching

Tiny
TROLLMESSIAH
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
While driving for short distances there seems to be no issue. However, when driving long distances the vehicle starts to lurch after using the brakes - even when I shut off the truck or toss it in neutral. I've re-lubed the front calipers and about 6000 miles ago had the rotors machined and cannot figure out if it is the front or rear or which brake or what is happening. I recently replaced the ABS/Speedometer sensor as I had an ABS light on and had no sensor (after searching the responses on this site). Any input is welcome.
Thursday, May 20th, 2010 AT 12:04 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Do you only feel it when the brakes are on?
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Thursday, May 20th, 2010 AT 12:05 PM
Tiny
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No - but it's onset is after putting the brakes on. I'm thinking it's the brakes but am not sure - also recently replaced the transfer case as I destroyed the previous one.
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Thursday, May 20th, 2010 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
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To me it sounds like it could be the rear brakes sticking, or and engine problem. Has the check engine light ever come on?
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Thursday, May 20th, 2010 AT 1:41 PM
Tiny
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Yep - the engine light was on until I replaced the ABS/Speedometer setting - it remained on for a while then turned off. I think that it's quite possible that the driver rear is sticking - but I've taken a look - the pads are about 20% worn. The lurch will continue even while coasting in neutral, even with the motor off. Is there anything that could possibly be connected with the ABS in the rear?
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Friday, May 21st, 2010 AT 12:22 PM
Tiny
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If the engine is off, the ABS isn't doing it. I think you have a warped brake drum and it catching on and off. You may want to try having the drums cut.
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Friday, May 21st, 2010 AT 10:04 PM
Tiny
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Thanks a lot - I thought it might have been the front end, but the drums are getting old. I appreciate the help!
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Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Here is a way to check it, but you need to be careful. With the vehicle moving, hold the parking brake release and press on the parking brake to see if you get the same response. Make sure not to jam the brakes because if the rear brakes lock, it will cause it to fish tail. Also, make sure to hold the release so you can actually use the parking brake like you would the regular. THey won't stop you very fast, but only the rear brakes will be working. If the problem is in the back, you should feel it and then confirm that the problem is in the rear.

Make sure to do this where there is no traffic or people.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 AT 9:10 PM

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