Brake Antilock Wheel Speed Sensor problems of the 2002 GMC Sierra

The accident happened in a parking lot. As I was turning at the end of row of parked vehicles ,a pick-up truck was backing out of a parking place. I applied the brakes but there was no response only a ratcheting noise coming from the front end of my pick-up. I put the truck in neutral but it continued to go forward until my truck ran into the other one. This happened at a very low speed but there was still quite a bit of damage to the trucks. It almost felt like the truck was being pulled forward on its own. I got my truck in to a mechanic and he replaced the left front wheel speed sensor. This accident was small but I could just as easily run into someone in a wheelchair or someone that could not get out of the way. I found out later that the truck was recalled before I owned it (at 43000 miles) for the same problem. The truck now has 103000 miles on it and it appears that the original problem has not been solved.

Everytime the brakes are applied and the vehicle slows down to under 10 mph, the vehicles abs system kicks on. I did some research and found that this has been recalled on many GMC models but not the Sierra denali I have. I have also found that many others with Sierra denalis have had the same issue and it greatly increases stopping distance. Further research into the issue has led me to believe this could be caused by a faulty speed sensor due to the abs kicking in while stopping at low speed.

The contact owns a 2002 GMC Sierra denali. The contact noticed that the abs wheel hub was pulsating, which indicated that the abs hub sensors had engaged at low speeds. The contact was able to stop the vehicle, but he lost all sense of braking control. He drove home and called the dealer, who informed him that the abs sensors were dirty and needed to be cleaned or replaced. No repairs have yet been made. Nhtsa campaign id number 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock) was related to his year, make, and model vehicle. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 56,000. Updated 09/10/08 updated 09/11/08.

: the contact stated while entering a driveway at 3 mph, the brakes did not stop the vehicle from hitting a light pole. This incident occurred after repairs indicated in recall # 05v379000 regarding service brakes, hydraulic:antilock were performed at the dealership. The absence of braking action at low speed happened due to malfunctioning of the speed sensors. The manufacturer was contacted and the outcome was a referral to customer service where a representative was supposed to be called back in 48 hours however no return call was received. The contact expressed dissatisfaction with the recall performed in the vehicle because the dealership indicated in the job order inspection or replacement of the affected sensors but no replacement were performed.

The brakes on my GMC Sierra were recalled because they can fail between 3 and 10 miles an hour. I took the truck in to be fix, however, I am still having trouble with the brakes- (I believe it is with the front wheel speed sensor -this is how it was listed on the recall paper). They seem to fail more under damp/moist/slippery conditions. When I called the dealership to tell them that the truck was still having problems after they had worked on the brakes their response was "deal with it". I am sorry but I cannot just deal with brakes that you cannot trust. What kind of help can I get with this. They have worked on the brakes four times. . . . And they are still not good. Yesterday they took it and drove it. . . . It was a nice and not bad conditions and they brought it back and said there was not a problem. I am sorry but there is a problem! they are very temperamental brakes!.

The contact states there is NHTSA recall campaign 05v379000 concerning the anti- lock brakes. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure of the wheel speed sensor occurred at a low speed. Updated 12/27/05.

Consumer complaint regarding 2002 Sierra brake rotors were bad and needed to be replaced, this almost caused consumer to go over a hill. The consumer received recall 05v379000 after the repairs were made. The dealer had to replace the hub and speed sensor. The consumer requested reimbursement but the claim was denied.

2002 Sierra rear brakes rusted. Front brake system had to have the rotors resurfaced due to rust and the speed sensors were corroded, calipers also rusted.

This complaint is to support investigation pe05020 1 - events leading to failure: my truck has been driven in NY state since it was purchased in late 2001. It has been properly maintained and serviced. 2 - failure and its consequences: after 40,000 miles, every time I came to a stop the anti-lock brakes would kick in (under 10 mph in completely dry conditions). This made the vehicle extremely difficult if not impossible to stop. I almost became involved in an accident on 3 or 4 separate occasions until I pulled the fuse for the abs system. Pulling the fuse disables the system so I'm now driving without anti-lock brakes. Certainly better than the alternative. 3 - corrective measures and availability of parts I brought the vehicle in for service to patrick GMC in rochester, NY. Paid $85. 73 to have it diagnosed. They indicated both front speed sensors were bad and both hub assemblies would need to be replaced at a cost of $432 per side plus tax. The sensor itself is not available - it must be purchased with an entire hub assembly. I did not have the work done and continue to drive the vehicle with the abs fuse pulled. The vehicle is unsafe to drive in any other condition (except if the hubs were replaced). The defective parts are still on my truck.