I've noticed lately that when I brake over a patch of ice (and sometimes over pot holes at higher speeds) my brake pedal will drop to the floor and make a squalking sound. Is this a characteristic of abs that I'm unaware of, or a sign of trouble? This is the first vehicle with abs that I've owned so I apollogize in advance for my lack of knowledge.

 

If that's the only time you have the syptoms you described I think it would be safe to say it's your ABS.

 

I've noticed strange noises when the ABS kicks in, but I don't recall the brake pedal going to the floor...

 

On my 2000 the pressure against the brake pedal does drop significantly, followed by a sound similar to what you are talking about. As far as I know it's normal meaning the ABS is engaging.

 

I noticed that if I am pushing on the brakes and hit a bump that the pedal will also fall to the floor, scares the ˟˟˟˟ out of me everytime, but its probably just the ABS.