Brake question

cv18sro · #1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009, 05:05 PM

When I bought my 01 Ford F150 5.4 4x4 ext cab at around 40,000 miles the brakes were very hard. I would apply the brakes and the truck did not seem to want to stop. I assumed prior to the lease return the previous owner put some very hard brake pads on. There was absolutely no dust from the pads. At 50,000 I decided to change them and put new rotors and NAPA's mid grade pads on them. They were great for about 10,000 miles and then the same issue as before.

Now I am thinking maybe the rears are not adjusted properly, it just seems that the fronts are doing all the work instead of 60% of the work.

Anyone else had this issue and is it an issue with these trucks. If I have to mash on the pedal it stops fine, it just seems like a hard pedal. The master cylinder is not leeking and I have never had to add fluid. Maybe its time for a complete system blead.

Any suggestions and what pads and shoes are you guys using. I am at 80,000 now so I am probobly due for front and rears.

steve(ill) · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 10:00 PM

i think i would look at the calipers and see that they all move- slide easy. might be worth bleeding each corner just to see that you have flow, no restirction, and that the pucks are moving in the caliper. might have colapsed hoses on one end and no flow? if it had airn you would have a mushy pedal. look at each disc. do they all show wear/ grooves like they have been working?

cv18sro · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 12:36 AM

I pulled the front wheels off today to inspect. The pads are thin but at least 6000 miles left on them before mandatory replacement. The rotors look good, no cracks or hot spots, they are pretty smooth considering the pads almost gone. I could not check the flow no help today.

I am almost due for a trans service so when I take it in to the shop, I am gonna have them check it and do a complete fluid replace on the brakes. The fluid in the master cylinder is pretty dark. While there at it I will have them check the calipers.

A visual inspection of the lines showed no kinks or anything abnormal.

Since you mentioned calipers that could be the issue and your comment about them makes sense to what is going on.