Brake Issue '78 150 4x4

[Danny Stroup]

I've been dealing with a soft pedal since I got the truck 2 weeks ago. I have been planning on bleeding the system and today, I ran out of time. I'm driving and notice the brake idiot light came on the instrument panel. Then 10 minutes later, I hear a nasty metal grinding in the rear. Got the rear wheels and drums off and the right brakes crumbled and fell out of the drum. The self adjuster lever, screw assembly, lower adjuster spring, where all chewed up and the actuating cable had snapped. So I replace the drum, shoes, and a kit for the adjusting assembly on the right side and shoes only on the left (the drum looked new!). Brakes still soft, brake light is still on the instrument panel. I adjusted the star-wheel down until the tire rotated with a slight drag. Also did the start-stop in reverse a few times and pumped the brake pedal in neutral about 15 times. No difference. So what's the next step...bleed?

[USArmyTaterness]

it may be time to actually flush your system

[Danny Stroup]

I'll be on it tomorrow. What makes the brake light come on on the instrument panel?

[NumberDummy]

Originally Posted by Danny Stroup

Brakes still soft, brake light is still on the instrument panel.

C8AZ2B264A .. Low Brake Fluid Warning Light Switch

This plastic switch threads into the brake differential proportioning valve.

What happens to it: The threads develop cracks, causing brake fluid to seep out....

When this occurs, the low brake fluid warning light on the dash comes on...and stays on.

This little darlin' is available from Ford, autoparts stores and fits: 1968/79 F100/350 & Bronco / 1968/69 Passenger Cars.

[4x4 Bart]

Just adjusting the brakes untill they touch will some times give you a false indication. And backing up and hitting the brake several times hard to adjust them up, will sometimes break the cables or bend the adjuster or break the teeth off the ratchet.

To adjust the rears properly you need to turn the adjusters until the brake is totally locked and the wheel won't turn and the adjuster won't turn any tighter.

Then you must use a thin screwdriver inserted through the adjustment hole to hold the adjusting lever off the ratchet while at the same time you back the adjustment off until the wheel turns free. The adjuster should not turn to release unless you use the screwdriver the release it

This is the best way to center both brake shoes in the drum and have proper and exact adjustment.

After adjusting both rear wheels, you still have a soft pedal, you have problems else where. But you should do this first.

[Danny Stroup]

Number Dummy...I'm having trouble finding it. Tried Motorcraft, AutoZone, Pepboys, and Rock Auto.

C8AZ2B264A .. Low Brake Fluid Warning Light Switch

Anyway, the brakes work great now...new rear shoes, 1 drum, 1 complete spring kit, bled 'em out with nice new amber fluid....pedal's nice 'n firm.

I just need to get that brake light off. Yeah...I tried the "centering" procedure several times...didn't work.