Steering Column Repair: ABS question, chevrolet silverado, 2004 chevrolet silverado

Question
I test drove a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado today and when I was braking the ABS would engage at halfway to the floor.  Road conditions were dry. The ABS light did not come on.  Any ideas??  Should it be something to worry about?

Answer
Hi Mike:
Although this is a Brake question, not a steering column question, I have the correct answer for you.
When you were braking and just before you stopped, and when the ABS engaged, the steering veered one way.  Which way was it?  What we're doing is diagnosing the ABS sensor in the hub that has failed.  If it pulled left, then the right sensor is bad and the hub needs to be replaced.  If it pulled right, vice-versa.
The only problem is, that the sensor is part of the hub and the hub and bearing assembly are about $400 (each side, plus labor).
This should give you some negotiating power and if you don't care about ABS, simply pull the ABS fuse.  The light will stay lit on the dash, but you will eliminate the ABS engaging and chattering ever time you stop.  The downside is you will also not have ABS when needed (icy roads).

I hope this helps...I had this on 2 of my company trucks; it's pretty common on that year GM vehicles.

Doug