Hey guys, its been raining like crazy here and I have been wondering something. I normally run in 4hi on the straights when its pouring rain. Does this have an adverse affect on the ABS system? If so, I may be changing my veiw on running in 4hi in the rain.

Thanks guys!

 

I dunno, i Know my abs is starting to grr me off on the new truck. I go around one set of exits and onramps and man, truck only has 1500 mi on it but it seems to hop a lot, almost rear ended a car yesterday in the rush hour traffic, someoen decided to get in a accident and the whole thing stopped. I hit the brakes the front end went over a bump and on comes the abs and away i go no stopping. I guess i almost rear ended is a exagaration, aways from. but i sure didnt like the feeling of not stopping

 

if your truck has 4 wheel abs , then it has no effect , if you have rear only abs like me , then running in 4x4 dis ables the abs system.

 

How does running in 4x4 disable the abs? the abs system uses tire speed in relation to actual speed and if it is different then the abs releases braking according to the needs to keep the wheels from locking up and skidding. Also 4x4 does not help with braking at all. When braking you want to keep your foot on the pedal. Do not pump the brakes. ABS is made to do the work while you just hold the brake. The only equipment that helps with braking is the tires, brake pads(shoes), rotors(drums), and abs if equipped. This is how people get in trouble in the snow. They think because they have 4x4 they can go normal speeds. 4x4 only helps with traction when accelerating.

 

If you have a manual then downshifting helps with braking, in part offsetting possible problems with ABS on sand, gravel, and snow as it helps to 'plow'. On hard surfaces if you're having problems braking you need either some weight in the bed, and/or better tires.

 

I run 4whi in rain at times, it does nothing to the ABS. The ABS in these trucks is a hazard. It's a bad feeling when you try to brake and hit a bump. The truck's ABS will actually allow a freewheel, the only way to get past the ABS after it's activated, is to pump the brakes and reset the system. In a panic stop, that's not what you instinctively do, normally you just push into them harder.

 

Yes, 4 hi affects the ABS system because using 4x4 locks the front and rear differentials together so both front and rear driveshafts must turn the same speed. The individual front or rear wheels will be able to turn at different speeds depending on the type of differential (open or limited slip).

 

Think of it this way, if you lock up BOTH front tires the front axles are not spinning, which means the front driveshaft is not turning, the transfer case is not spinning, and the rear driveshaft is not spinning. All of this because the front tires are locked. So the reason the abs does not work is because the abs system does not control the front wheels and if they lock the rears lock as well. All of this while the truck is in 4wd.