ABS brakes on 1998 Chevy Cavalier are locking on rear left side??

Question

I just bought a 1998 used Chevy Cavalier. The ABS brakes are locking up on the rear left side even with the slightest touch of the brake peddle. When this happens the rear of the car slides side ways, and leave skid marks, And not even goin 10 miles an hour. I drove the car down a slope really slow and pressed the brakes and it actually barked a tire. also leaving skid mark on pavement. Can someone help me in this situation. Some people say it will work itself out, but I can't not take that chance!! I have a baby boy and will not take the chance. If you need to know more to help me please ask and i will repost more>

Answer 1

Your Cavalier has drum brakes in the rear so it can't be a warped rotor. You need to have it checked out by a good repair shop. It may just be out of adjustment but I'd want to have it checked out if I was you. It could be that some of the hardware that holds the brake shoes in place has come loose. To be safe, have it checked out soon!

Answer 2

left adjusted to high same thing happened on my olds ciera and readjusted rear brake and problem solved

Answer 3

It is not an ABS issue, but definitely common on Cavalier/Sunfires.

The brake shoes wear unevenly, always, and the leading shoe has more asbestos lining in one area than it should, I can tell you it is on the bottom left if you looked at the car.  It needs to be ground off in a brake shop, and the drum turned or machined-out.

Answer 4

i am having the same issue with my 2000 cavalier. mine isn't as intense as yours but it does lock up in the back. i actually had my brakes replaced but that didn't work. it had been doing this for months and then finally the abs light came on. i got it checked and apparently the rear wheel sensor needs to be replaced and this is why rear wheels lock up. it took quite awhile for the light to come on so i think i fixed the breaks for no reason and it was the sensor all along. i haven't gotten it fixed yet but i plan to within the next couple weeks so hopefully the problem will then be solved. hopefully this helps you out and maybe you do have the same problem as me.

Answer 5

Try self-adjusting them. Roll backwards at about 10 - 15 miles per hour, and apply the brakes. Do this a couple of times.

If that doesn't solve the issue, head over to the brake shop. You may have a warped rotor.

-Stuart