CT43-2C405-AC | Genuine Ford® ABS Anti-Lock Brake Hydraulic Unit

1. Controls Brake Pressure to Each Wheel

When the ABS module detects a wheel about to lock up, it sends commands to the hydraulic unit.
The hydraulic unit then uses:

• Solenoid valves

• Passages/channels

• Brake fluid pressure

to increase, decrease, or hold brake pressure at each wheel.

2. Contains the ABS Pump

The hydraulic unit includes an electric ABS pump, which:

• Restores brake fluid pressure after the ABS valves release it

• Maintains pressure during repeated ABS cycles

This pump operates extremely fast during ABS activation.

3. Houses ABS Valves (Solenoids)

Inside the unit are multiple solenoid valves that:

• Open to release pressure

• Close to hold pressure

• Modulate pressure rapidly (many times per second)

These valves are what create the rapid pulsing you feel during hard braking.

1. ABS Warning Light Is On

The ABS light is the most common sign.
A failing hydraulic unit will trigger the module to set pump, valve, or pressure related fault codes.

2. Brake Pedal Is Hard or Difficult to Press

A defective hydraulic unit can cause:

• Stiff / hard brake pedal

• Pedal resisting pressure
  This happens when valves fail to open or close properly.

3. Brake Pedal Sinks to the Floor

If the hydraulic unit’s internal seals or valves leak, you might feel:

• Pedal slowly sinking

• Poor or inconsistent braking
  This is more common when the valves get stuck open.

4. ABS Doesn’t Activate (Wheels Lock Up)

If the pump or valves fail, ABS may not activate during hard braking.
You’ll notice:

• Wheels locking up

• No pulsing in the brake pedal

• Loss of steering control under heavy braking

5. ABS Pump Motor Runs Constantly

If the hydraulic unit’s pump is stuck triggered, you’ll hear:

• A constant humming or buzzing noise

• Pump running when it shouldn’t
  This can drain the battery or burn out the pump.

6. Fluid Leaks Around the ABS Block

Visible brake fluid leaks around the hydraulic unit or lines connected to it mean a physical failure.

Leaks can cause:

• Reduced braking performance

• Air entering the system

• Frequent low brake fluid level

7. Pulsation or Vibration at Low Speeds (when not braking hard)

If ABS valves stick, the system may activate when it shouldn’t.
You might feel:

• ABS kicking in during slow stops

• Grinding or vibration in the pedal
  This mimics wheel-speed sensor issues, but can also indicate a failing HCU.

8. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Related to Pump or Valves

Using a scan tool, you may see codes such as:

• Pump motor failure

• Pump motor circuit

• Valve stuck open / stuck closed

• Hydraulic pressure failure

• Pump relay fault

• Internal leak detected
  These point directly to the hydraulic unit instead of the ABS module.

9. Inconsistent Brake Pressure

A malfunctioning hydraulic unit can cause:

• Brakes grabbing or releasing unevenly

• Car pulling to one side under braking

• Pressure not being held or modulated correctly