So far, this is what I have done to my truck, due to a brake/abs light on, and dragging front brakes.
1) New brake booster, due to hard brake pedal (which did not go away).
2) New calipers and pads- with 172,000 miles on them, I figured they needed replacing, and must be sticking. After replacing them, they still are sticking.
3) During this process, new brake fluid.
4) Duh, I should have thought about the flexible brake lines. I replaced those- surprisingly, they were only $40 for both of them.
5) After replacing them, the calipers are still dragging. Not all the time, but when they do, the rims get very hot, and you can smell the brakes.
6) Next on the list, I am replacing the master cylinder. After this, it can only be the abs junk. But, the brake light/abs light has been off for a week.

Any other suggestions? This is only happening to the front brakes, and not all the time.

 

Did you claean and re-lube the sliders that the front calapers ride on? I had a car where the brake system was fine, but the calipers weren't 'floating' like they should.
kent

 

New calipers. And they are greased.
I really think the master cylinder is a problem. I put some miles on the truck today, and when I would feel (and smell) them dragging, I would depress and let off the brake pedal a couple of times, and they would free up. Then, when I would use the brakes again, but not all the time, they would start hanging again. I don't think the plunger in the master is returning all the way, allowing the fluid to return to the reservior. If it isn't this, it has to be the ABS, but that doesn't make sense. When it works, it releases fluid pressure, not retains it, correct?

 

I'd look at the master, then. there is no pressure in the system when you are not touchng the brakes, or there shoudn't be.

are you all wheel ABS or just rear like my '96?

If it's just rear then that's not the problem at all.
kent

 

I've read of folks having to adjust the the plunger from the pedal to the booster after replacing the booster because it's too long.
No experience at all with it myself.

 

I think mine may have been a tad too short- I had to adjust the brake light switch, because the pedal lacked about an 1/8th of an inch to push the button in.

I have 4 wheel abs. Stupid stuff.

I don't think it has to do with the new booster, because the calipers were dragging before I replaced it.

I have a brand spanking new master cylinder to put on, after church tomorrow. Interesting- it was the same price brand new, as it was remaned with a core. And, it was $14 less than posted on their website. I like saving money. That gives me more to spend if this doesn't take care of my problem...

 

Well, I put the new master cylinder on today, and have driven it for about 40 miles. So far, not problems. I know that isn't much driving to really test it, but I am encouraged.

 

best wishes, i hope it worked for you. im having probs too, vacuum for me.

 

Sorry to hear that. At least my vacuum is good- it is pulling 30 inches of vacuum.