Mazda 3 soft brake pedal feel with wheel lock-up due to faulty ABS pump replacement needed on Mazda 3

Some Mazda 3 owners report experiencing a soft brake pedal feel accompanied by wheel lock-up, which may indicate a faulty ABS pump that requires replacement, potentially costing around $1500. These issues can be exacerbated by high ambient temperatures and humidity, which may trigger the ABS light, signaling a problem with the ABS hydraulic unit. Additionally, some owners find that old brake fluid, which has absorbed moisture over time, necessitates a complete system flush to prevent costly replacements. Trapped air bubbles in the ABS module can also lead to spongy brakes and a low or slowly sinking brake pedal, making thorough air bleeding essential to restore proper function. To assess ABS functionality, some owners test by braking hard at low speeds on gravel to feel for the pulsing sensation that indicates the system is working correctly. If the brake pedal feels excessively soft and requires significant pressure to engage, it may suggest air in the brake lines, highlighting the need for a brake bleeding procedure to ensure safe braking performance.