Hi I'm having a bit of an issue with my 2016 focus st.

So my car was having issues with the clutch pedal sinking and not returning so it was booked into a garage around 3 weeks ago to have the master cylinder replaced. Everything now seems fine with the clutch and it returns as normal but after picking the car back up from the garage there seemed to be a slight hesitation when pulling away which i do not remember being there previous to the master cylinder being done. It felt as if something was catching, rubbing, holding the car back. 3 weeks on and my issue now is that the front nearside caliper is seizing.

The  piston on the caliper will move if the bleed valve is loosened to release brake fluid. The caliper was stipped down and the piston seems good no rust or pitting and moves freely, caliper pins are good too. Thought possibly the brake hose may have collapsed so that was replaced and still the same issue. Was told the only thing it could now be is some sort of solenoid or the abs module so the car is now back at the garage and wont be looked at for another 4 or 5 days.

What i want to know is what's the likely hood that the master cylinder being replaced is what's caused the issue, and if so what could be the issue, cause.

 

Personally, I don't see any reason the clutch (?) master cylinder change should affect the braking system (unless there is a connection between the two systems and something has been badly fitted/gone wrong?) However it does sound like a strong coincidence - has something been damaged during that job? (and will they explain/admit if it has?)
Also, it looks like everything back to ABS unit has been checked?
No fault codes?
Can the ABS unit be activated either by scan tool or other means to see if the fault can be cleared, otherwise it would be a dismantle of the the unit, firstly to see if one of the valves is being held electrically or there's an unlikely mechanical fault?
I wouldn't let them fire the parts cannon without some serious diagnosing and even then, look into the possibility of getting it repaired if it turns out the unit is at fault.

I await someone else with knowledge of new cars (I'm finding I'm a 2011 dinosaur) to come along...

Edit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts-cZj81bUA

 

1 hour ago, Shearers said:

I don't see any reason the clutch (?) master cylinder change should affect the braking system (unless there is a connection between the two systems

They share the same hydraulic reservoir 

No fault codes showing on the dash, as unofix also mentioned the clutch and brakes are connected to the same system using the same reservoir for brake fluid. Being told it could be the abs module i'm now dreading this could be an expensive fix. The garage the car is booked into at the moment did said they would need to do their own diagnosing and investigation into the actual cause. Will call the garage in the morning aswell as i forgot to mention to them that the master cylinder was done recently

22 hours ago, unofix said:

They share the same hydraulic reservoir 

That is a connection but what could possibly have gone wrong with that job which could cause a one wheel issue, other than some serious  contamination that has got as far as the ABS unit?

Those units can usually be repaired rather than replaced depending on the identified but again, I'm that Dinosaur! (wanting to know the issue and trying to help)

It's possible they have let air enter the ABS unit.

If that is the case, it probably needs to have the brakes electronically bled to open the valves inside:

 

44 minutes ago, YOG said:

It's possible they have let air enter the ABS unit.

If that is the case, it probably needs to have the brakes electronically bled to open the valves inside:

When changing the master cylinder is the system supposed to be bled ? I was told when i asked that i didn't need done.

Bleeding the system electronically was the one thing we never tried before sending it into the garage for repair.

1 hour ago, MGD256 said:

When changing the master cylinder is the system supposed to be bled ?

Yes 👍

15 minutes ago, unofix said:

Yes 👍

This might be the issue then as it wasn't done at the garage after the master cylinder was fitted, just topped up. I remember specifically asking if they bled the brakes and was told it didn't need done 

10 hours ago, MGD256 said:

This might be the issue then as it wasn't done at the garage after the master cylinder was fitted, just topped up. I remember specifically asking if they bled the brakes and was told it didn't need done 

It will not do any harm to change the brake fluid anyway, as it is hygroscopic.

In fact, Ford recommend changing every 2 years, so should have had 3/4 changes by now.

Make sure the clutch is bled as well.

2 hours ago, YOG said:

It will not do any harm to change the brake fluid anyway, as it is hygroscopic.

In fact, Ford recommend changing every 2 years, so should have had 3/4 changes by now.

Make sure the clutch is bled as well.

Hopefully this garage will do a flush and put new stuff in it. They won't look at the car until tomorrow. If they don't replace the brake fluid i'll do it once i get it back.

Just had a message from the garage that the car is at now and it's looking like it's a faulty abs solinoid / abs sensor. Been told it's not only the front nearside brake binding but also the offside rear as the brakes apparently work on a diagonal system.

Be aware that on the Focus MK3/MK3.5 the ABS pump is part of the PATS immobilizer system. Replacing the ABS pump will immobilize the car.

You should have the ABS pump replaced by someone who has both the knowledge and equipment to program and sunchonize/initialize the latest generation of the coded PATS immobilizer system. 

Also be aware that programming a used (non empty config) ABS pump can be a challenge (or even impossible). Many Ford dealers actually refuse to install/program a used ABS pump because of this and only offer to supply and install a brand new one. 

1 hour ago, JW1982 said:

Be aware that on the Focus MK3/MK3.5 the ABS pump is part of the PATS immobilizer system. Replacing the ABS pump will immobilize the car.

You should have the ABS pump replaced by someone who has both the knowledge and equipment to program and sunchonize/initialize the latest generation of the coded PATS immobilizer system. 

Also be aware that programming a used (non empty config) ABS pump can be a challenge (or even impossible). Many Ford dealers actually refuse to install/program a used ABS pump because of this and only offer to supply and install a brand new one. 

If the module is sent off to be looked at and possibly be repaired would the car still be immobilised or would it work with being the same module.

Thanks for the heads up. The garage are going to get back to me tomorrow and let me know what they're able to do but they did mention possibly having the abs module stripped down and repaired but i don't think they do it themselves but know of a company that does 

Maybe a Red Herring but I'd contact https://www.ecutesting.com/contact-us/ to see if they can help?

10 minutes ago, Shearers said:

Maybe a Red Herring but I'd contact https://www.ecutesting.com/contact-us/ to see if they can help?

I'll wait and see what the garage say when they get back to me and if there's nothing they can do then i'll contact them and see if they can help. Thanks 

Any idea on what the cost of having the abs module replaced normally costs ?

5 minutes ago, MGD256 said:

Any idea on what the cost of having the abs module replaced normally costs ?

Their ABS page (cover multiple Focus repairs - new will be in the stratosphere???
https://www.ecutesting.com/product-catalogue/ford/focus/abs-pump-ecumodule-combined/
This page says £224 + VAT +£20 P & P for that repair (don't know your's):
https://www.ecutesting.com/product-catalogue/ford/focus/abs-pump-ecumodule-combined/amc501863/

10 minutes ago, Shearers said:

Their ABS page (cover multiple Focus repairs - new will be in the stratosphere???
https://www.ecutesting.com/product-catalogue/ford/focus/abs-pump-ecumodule-combined/
This page says £224 + VAT +£20 P & P for that repair (don't know your's):
https://www.ecutesting.com/product-catalogue/ford/focus/abs-pump-ecumodule-combined/amc501863/

Yea i'm looking online and apparently £1400+ for a new module. Trying to keep costs as low as possible. Will definitely contact them depending on what the garage say, price and if they can even get it repaired. Seem's like this is turning into a complete headache and can see myself sitting without a car for weeks at this rate.

So just sent them a message and this was their reply 

I would estimate if we could repair it to be between £150 to £255 + VAT + postage. If we could supply a replacement to be between £250 to £500 + VAT + postage.

27 minutes ago, MGD256 said:

If the module is sent off to be looked at and possibly be repaired would the car still be immobilised or would it work with being the same module.

Thanks for the heads up. The garage are going to get back to me tomorrow and let me know what they're able to do but they did mention possibly having the abs module stripped down and repaired but i don't think they do it themselves but know of a company that does 

If the original ABS can be repaired reprogramming is not required.


In this case it is most likely that the problem is caused by a mechanical defect of the pump/valve assembly. Most companies that offer ABS module repair just focus on the electronical part which usually is the part that fails. Most of these companies do not repair any mechanical defects.

So if you consider a repair/overhaul of the original ABS pump make sure that the repair company not only focuses on the electronical part but also on the mechanical part.


Officially the electronical part of the ABS pump can not be seperated from the mechanical part (like it used to be on older Ford models). However a good mechanic should still be able to split the electronical / mechanical parts and transfer the electronical part to a donor ABS pump. 

 

8 minutes ago, JW1982 said:

So if you consider a repair/overhaul of the original ABS pump make sure that the repair company not only focuses on the electronical part but also on the mechanical part. 

 

The website Shearers mentioned say they repair the ABS (Pump & ECU/Module Combined) Would i be right in thinking this is both electrical and mechanical parts ?

Looks like they repair both but it does not hurt to have this confirmed before using there services.

6 minutes ago, JW1982 said:

Looks like they repair both but it does not hurt to have this confirmed before using there services.

Thanks for the reply. I will be waiting to see what the garage say tomorrow and then take it from there before i go ahead and possibly send it off for repair. If the garage can get it done at a reasonable price then it's all good and if not i'll contact ecutesting.com again and take it from there.

3 hours ago, MGD256 said:

Any idea on what the cost of having the abs module replaced normally costs ?

Around £1400 at a Ford dealer, which is who you will need.

There are 4 or 5 specialist ABS module repair companies in the UK who can fully service and repair the mechanical side of the ABS pump. This means when it is repaired then it is a simple matter of refitting it back to the car, no need to programme anything.

Just Google Ford ABS module repair.