I have a 1999 F150 Off Road that has developed this problem of the brakes grabbing the first few times right after the truck is started. After the fist few uses everything works 'normal'. We live on gravel so when they grab its not pretty.

I would appreciate any thoughts on this. Thanks in advance.

 

do you live in a humid area? when did you change the brakes last? sounds like you have a inexpensive type of brake pad. they will cause this problem, I thinkd the gravel dust is gettingin there and causing the problem then after a couple of stops it gets out of there and every thing is fine. take a brake cleaner and clean the rotor while you turn it see it it helps.
Lance

 

I have had to keep the truck parked outside the last month or so due to an addition we are completing, usually it is in the garage. The pads were changed a couple months ago so they are in good shape and were metalic so should be half decent quality. I will try your suggestion and see what happens. - Thanks.

 

if you live in an area that is moist or has a lot of rain your roters will get surface rust on them over night and will cause them to grab on the first couple of stops but its nothing to worry about.

 

Hey sooner150, I recently went through this very thing with my '99 a few weeks ago. Turns out it was my rears that were wanting to lock up on the first few applications.
To make a long story short, I had to replace the rear drums, shoes, and springs on both sides, until the situation was resolved.

I'm not sure if you got discs or drums on the rears on yours, but thaught I would pass this info on to you anyway.

 

...Welcome CTX, to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!
Stick around someone will be by shortly to answer your question.
We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords!

…Enjoy FTE and The State Chapters are located at the bottom of the main forum page.
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.

 

I also had the exact same issue with my '99 f150 4x2. I lived with it for a few weeks, and then when I brought it in for a safety, they found that the d/s rear shoe was physically broken. Had it changed out and all is good now.

For safety sake, have a look at your pads and shoes.

Todd

 

It has been a problem with the rear brakes causing lock-up. Ford has updated the rear shoes to a set that has a smaller secondary lining. I don't know if the aftermarket did the same.

 

I live in n. florida and drive a 97- f-150. My brakes grab the first time that I apply them in the morning. I figured that it is just due to the light coat of rust that gathers on my after market rotors. This did not happen with my o.e.m. rotors, but I was not prepared to replace them with o.e.m. parts($).I just hit the pedal lightly as I get to the end of my street and all is well after that.

 

My reply is the same with many others, my 97' does the same when it is horribly humid, or after it rained, or even if i let it sit for a few days - it builds up some light rust and other crap on the pads and rotors, and when I first brake it grabs like im driving a sports car - but after my first two stop signs - its gone. So yeah, i also agree that if it happens ALL the time, get you brakes inspected, if noting out of the ordinary, it's just the build up from the everyday weather. It happens on my other cars too.