If your wheels are locking up, there is a DEFINITE problem with the ABS. The whole point of ABS is to avoid locking (Anti Lock Brake).

So not normal...

 

Couple notes... braking hard initially is easier on both the calipers and pads. Thats the main reason for this approach. Easing off the brakes as the car approaches stopping makes the stop smoother.

ABS brakes don't simply react to extreme pedal pressure as a couple of posts have hinted (but may not have meant). The speed of each wheel is constantly measured and compared. There are wheel sensors on each wheel assembly for this. When the ABS computer detects one wheel turning considerably slower than the rest (or not at all) it activates the ABS which pulses the brakes in an effort to avoid lock-up.

There is a longstanding debate as to which actually produces the shortest distance in NON-abs cars...braking as hard as possible without locking any wheel or locking all four wheels. There is NO debate that locking your front wheels eliminates any control you might have attempting to steer the car. Thats the main reason ABS exists...not to shorten braking distance but to insure the driver still has directional control in hard braking (or braking on slick surfaces).

 

I have. ABS will allow you to lock up the wheels, if you are spinning. But if it's working right, they shouldn't lock up and be sliding otherwise.

 

Yes, the wheels are indeed locking up and the car is sliding to a stop with whatever small brake power it has.
I don't remember if it is all 4 wheels, or just the rear wheels... I think it is all 4 though.

I know what ABS feels like, and I do know how far I can go before ABS gets activated... this sort of feels like ABS but its not a deep down pulsing feeling but more of light click click and the best way to describe it is that the pads arnt clamping down onto the rotors.

I have like 90% loss in braking power, and it continues on until Im stopped... it doesnt stop like ABS would.

I guess I will take it in, I just hope they find something or able to reproduce the problem while its there.

 

WTF?

This makes no sense. First you say "the wheels are indeed locking up". Then you say "the pads aren't clamping down onto the rotors".

If the pads are not clamping down on the rotors, when what is locking up the wheels?

I think you are confused about what it means when the wheels lock. That would indicate that the pads were completely clamped down on the rotors, not the other way around.

 

Dude, I am as confuzzled as you. In my foot and the feeling I get is that the pads are not clamping... then as I push harder the wheels lock up.

 

I bet you its my ABS pump thats faulty

 

Yeah, maybe. If the ABS system isn't working then the brake bias (front/rear) will also be way off, which could give rise to symptoms like you are describing. You haven't mentioned it, so I'm assuming you don't have an ABS warning light set.

When you first start the car does the ABS light come on and then go off again?

It does sound like you need to take your car in and have it checked out.

 

Fantasma, is the car lowered? Modded in any way? This can effect the warranty coverage.

 

Nope, no mods... fully stock