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Brake Problem- help!!

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Old Mar 11, 2003 | 10:24 AM
  #1  
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Brake Problem- help!!

Hello everyone!

I have a 1996 F-150 4x4 with RABS. When at a stop, the brake pedal will go down almost to the floor. First, I bled the brakes and adjusted the rear. Then I replaced the Master Cylinder. That did not work, so I replaced it a second time. This still didn't work, even with bench bleeding the heck out of it to make sure no air was trapped. I then replaced the Power Booster, even though this isn't acting like a leaking booster that I have seen. I also replaced the small proportioning valve that is on the master cylinder. Yesterday I replaced both front calipers, because a mechanic I worked with did this to an older F-250 and solved the same problem.

There is not a leak anywhere and there isn't any air in the system.
The braking is good, but just at a stand still the pedal will drop to the floor (very annoyingly). Does anybody have an idea? Thanks.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2003 | 10:54 AM
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Brake Problem- help!!

The Haynes manual states for 4-wheel ABS bleeding, a special piece of equipment must be used. It also plugs into the control module, because air gets trapped in the hydraulic control unit, (HCU). This is the only way to get the air out.

I don't know if this applies to the rear ABS only system too. You may have to check a better manual, or with a knowledgable brake tech to get your answer.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2003 | 11:04 AM
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Brake Problem- help!!

There is a bleeder valve on the rear abs pressure valve on the framerail under the truck. Try bleeding that. Is the ABS light on?
 
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Old Mar 11, 2003 | 12:21 PM
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Brake Problem- help!!

The ABS light was on when I was bleeding it this last time, but went off after bleeding the system and restarting the truck. I will look for the rear wheel abs bleeder and try that, Thanks!
 
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Old Mar 11, 2003 | 01:00 PM
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Brake Problem- help!!

What does a leaking vacuum booster do? I am just wondering because my brakes are getting a hair spongy and my booster is rusty blow the MC.
Matt

I think it might be my master cylinder replaced soon anyway.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2003 | 03:12 PM
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Brake Problem- help!!

ive got a 96 f-150 with abs also. i did the same stuff and finally changed the back brakes. that made the soft pedal go away.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2003 | 07:36 PM
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Brake Problem- help!!

mrak
The booster is rusty because brake fluid strips paint and attracts water. Your MC is leaking. A leaking booster exhibits a stiff pedal (from the lack of assist) and a high idle (from the vacuum leak).
 
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Old Mar 12, 2003 | 07:42 AM
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Brake Problem- help!!

hmmm.... I bet the Master cylinder is leaking. I notice at stops that the pedal slowly sinks a few inches (but not to the floor) over a minute or so. It probably needs replacing. I'll try bleeding the lines, but my guess is it will need replacing.
Is this a tough job to do on your own? I had a brake tech do it last time, but it doens't seem that complicated.

Matt
 
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Old Mar 12, 2003 | 08:20 AM
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Brake Problem- help!!

Hey Mattman,
I had the same problem on my truck(1990,F150,302).
I changed my rotors, calipers, pads, drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, all hardware, master cylinder, bled the whole system plenty of times but kept getting that sinking feeling on the pedal when I would come to a stop.
My mechanic(who is a good friend of mine) then bled the ABS module like EPNCSU2006 posted and still didn't work.
He then( I don't know how he did it) bypassed the ABS module and the pedal felt real firm like it should. That's when we knew the ABS module had to be replaced. I got mine at NAPA, I forgot exactly how much I paid for it(maybe $150). Once we replaced it the brakes worked perfectly. All I can tell you is that I barely put my foot on the pedal and my truck stops like a charm!
Good luck, I hope this helps!
 
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Old Mar 12, 2003 | 08:20 AM
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Brake Problem- help!!

Originally posted by mrak
hmmm.... I bet the Master cylinder is leaking. I notice at stops that the pedal slowly sinks a few inches (but not to the floor) over a minute or so. It probably needs replacing. I'll try bleeding the lines, but my guess is it will need replacing.
Is this a tough job to do on your own? I had a brake tech do it last time, but it doens't seem that complicated.

Matt
Your description surely sounds like a master cylinder with an internal leak, which would require replacement.

Replacement isn't hard, just don't bugger up the flare nuts removing them. Get the proper wrenches and you should have little problem.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2003 | 05:27 PM
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Brake Problem- help!!

IES, when you replaced the abs module, are you talking about the thing on the fraimrail?
 
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Old Mar 12, 2003 | 07:24 PM
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Brake Problem- help!!

Originally posted by IES
Hey Mattman,
I had the same problem on my truck(1990,F150,302).
I changed my rotors, calipers, pads, drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, all hardware, master cylinder, bled the whole system plenty of times but kept getting that sinking feeling on the pedal when I would come to a stop.
My mechanic(who is a good friend of mine) then bled the ABS module like EPNCSU2006 posted and still didn't work.
He then( I don't know how he did it) bypassed the ABS module and the pedal felt real firm like it should. That's when we knew the ABS module had to be replaced. I got mine at NAPA, I forgot exactly how much I paid for it(maybe $150). Once we replaced it the brakes worked perfectly. All I can tell you is that I barely put my foot on the pedal and my truck stops like a charm!
Good luck, I hope this helps!
I agree with IES. I have had the same problem and replaced everything as stated above in my 92'. The RABS module is the cause of problems like this. I have posted it many times in the past. The RABS module can be expensive, and the core can be just as costly, but it is a move that must be made. I did mine without even bleeding anything and the results were great. One of the most gratifying repairs that I have ever made. Good luck. Jake.
 
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