Brake Ratchet and Makes Clicking noise
Q: I changed the ball joints on 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 wheel drive. After that brakes act strange. It seems my ABS is acting up and I hear a clicking sound as I increase in speed.When I apply the brakes it sounds like my brakes are ratcheting.
A: Take a look at the front axles of your jeep just where they enter the hub assembly. You should see a part that looks like a gear that is mounted on the axle. That gear is called a toner ring. As the teeth/gear looking part of the toner ring pass by the wheel speed sensor, a signal is created that the ABS system uses to monitor wheel speed. If a tooth is broken off the gear, the ABS computer will think that the wheel is turning at a different speed. This will cause the ABS computer to become active when it doesn't have to be. It doesn't take much to mess up the toner ring or even the sensor. I would suggest a close inspection of these components on both sides of the vehicle for possible damage. Any signs of damage will require replacement of the sensor, or if the toner ring is damaged the axle will have to be replaced. The toner ring is not sold separately.
