Brakes 1997 Ford Explorer. Just had new rotors and pads. When braking, especially at low speeds, there is a grinding noise, and it then appears that the brakes stick. Returned it to mechanic who checked out everything without detecting a problem. Was told that the ABS system would have to "re-learn" the braking pattern, and the problem would go away. It hasn't, and brakes seem to be dragging. I just replaced the rotors, pads, and bearings on my 1999 ford explorer Sport.  It was a relatively easy job.  There was no rust and the bolts came loose with just a little work.  Everything went back on just as easily.  Now, when I come to a stop the car will slow normally until the last few moments of the stop.  It is then that the brake pedal starts to feel like there is a weird little clicking in it  (almost like the pedal feels when you're hydroplaning) and the pedal can be depressed further for a sudden stop.  Is this the ABS?  Or something else?

This seems like two different vehicles with two different problems. first the 1997 Ford Explorer- with new rotors and pad. I can almost guaranty that the rotor and pads that were replace are "after market" parts. If it is true,then the brake pad are at fault 95% of the time, the other 5% is the rotor. This because alot of after market parts are alot cheaper and are poorly manufactured out of cheap materials. I would recommend Motor-craft rotors and pads for this vehicle and that would take care of this problem. However if it is original parts on the car the dust shield on the hub may be to blamed, may have gotten bent into rotor during brake job. As far as ABS re-learn braking pattern that all BS that's absolutely 100% NOT TRUE. I am ASE certified in brakes and I never heard of such nonsense. As for the 1999 Explorer this problem is the ABS system applying it self prematurely. The sound that you feel on the pedal is when the ABS is active. Most common reason for this is a bad abs/wheel speed sensor, it could have gotten damaged during the brake job or grease or rust or something is between the sensor and sensor gear/ring. I have seen this many times before, just re-check everything. The abs becomes active because it detects a slip or brakes locking up or in your case maybe a false reading from sensor. Good luck and contact me if you need more help