GM-GMC: 1998 GMC k 1500 4x4 4.3L ABS brakes, wheel speed, speed readings


Question
When coming to a slow stop and applying the brakes,the ABS seems to kick in just before I stop. If you slam the brakes on while driving in dry or slippery conditions, they seem to work fine. They only act up when you are almost at a stop, the peddle pulsates and the ABS kicks in.The brakes are in good shape (pads ,rotors ,drums ,shoes, lines )the system is full of fluid with no leaks. The ABS light does not come on. Please advise !! Thanks!!

Answer
There actually was a recall for this concern.  Stop by your local dealer and have them run your VIN.  If there are outstanding recalls they will be able to tell you.  If your truck doesn't fall under that recall, its a relatively easy repair to do yourself.
Remove the front rotors.  Locate the abs sensor, mounted to the wheel bearing assembly by a small socket head capscrew (allen wrench) remove the bolt and VERY GENTLY wiggle the abs sensor around untill it pops up out of its hole.  I will warn you some do break, which is why it would be nice if the recall applies to your truck that way if they break gm will foot the bill.  Once you get both sides removed, clean the mounting surface of all rust or build up, apply grease to prevent future rusting and reassemble.
The rust build up under the sensor causes the angle to change resulting in inaccurate wheel speed readings which your abs module interprets as a wheel slipping or skidding and applies your abs.
Hope this helps