I have a 99 F150 and my ABS light is on so I took it to an auto repair shop, and they told me that I needed a new ABS system, about $1500.00 but he also said that they have stopped making them, so he was going to call around junk yards and see if any of them carry them, $600.00 Problem is do I really need the ABS. It seems to me that the truck is stopping just fine. Or is that just because they haven‘t fully gone yet. He said that people can drive years on the brakes without getting them repaired. I can‘t find any websites that can answer my question. So if you can thank you very much for your help. PS just had my brakes replaced less than 2 months ago.
This question has a lot of loose ends. What exactly is wrong with your Anti lock Brake System. ABS. Anything in particular. It can't need the entire system. Did this happen right after you had the brakes done the first time. Sounds like someone might have installed the replacement brakes improperly. Once again, this the same place that you had replace them 2 months ago. Anti-lock brake systems do help in panic situations, that what they are there for. Insurance companies usually offer you a discount for them as well ( how much I really don't know ). The question is, can you do without them. My answer which I'm sure some will disagree is, yes, you can. Just make sure someone will pass it through inspection for you. I doubt your state will with that light on. I happen to know someone quite well who has been driving for years without them and they pass each year.
Well let me start with saying people drove for decades without ABS systems. They began being required on over the road semi trucks in th 1970s. And began coming as standard equipment on passenger cars in the 1990s. Obviously the National highway traffic safety admin, as well as automakers feel very strongly about them. It usually has no effect on your service brakes if there is a fault in the ABS system. And you probably notice no change in how the service brakes feel with the ABS light on. ABS can make a huge difference in the ability to control a stop in ice, water or sand. There is no worse feeling than sliding uncontrolled in a panic stop. Especially in the rain or snow. Your F150 would be prone to an controlled skid in a panic stop since there is very little weight over the rear tires. I would make every attempt I could to get it repaired
