brake problems... need help!

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Aug 22, 2011 | 06:07 PM

#16

85blackbronco

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From: Georgia

its possible but ive heard u need a special tool to bleed it.

Aug 23, 2011 | 11:04 AM

#17

mustangzrule

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I had the same problem with my Bronco 2. It only takes a TINY amout of air to make the whole thing soft. AND you would be surprised at how important the back brakes are. Use the 2-person bleed method and buy a large container of brake fluid.

I ended up disabling the rear ABS because I HATE ABS and it was causnig the response in the rear to be sluggish. To disable, remove the fuse and ignore the light.

Aug 23, 2011 | 11:08 AM

#18

85blackbronco

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From: Georgia

how will that help if i have air in the abs pump?

Aug 23, 2011 | 11:33 AM

#19

76supercab2

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 85blackbronco

how will that help if i have air in the abs pump?

I don't think it will. IIRC, the Bronco II had a RABS on it, not 4 wheel ABS. Different animal entirely. Unfortunately, to properly bleed a 4 wheel ABS with air in the HCU (Hydraulic Control Unit) there is a special tool that will cycle all the valves and the pump in the control unit to force all the air out.

I really don't know what to suggest at this point. Being as brakes are such an important piece of safety equipment it's difficult to diagnose remotely. If it was me, I'd take it to someone to have it bled with the tool and see if that helps.

I'm also wondering if something in the HCU could have malfunctioned. The RABS system has a dump valve that releases pressure on the rear brakes. If it sticks open or leaks, brake pressure would bleed off and it seems the brakes would feel soft. Maybe something similar has happened here, but I don't know how I'd test for it.

Aug 23, 2011 | 12:15 PM

#20

85blackbronco

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From: Georgia

does anyone know how much ford charges to bleed the hcu?

Aug 23, 2011 | 05:21 PM

#21

greenpus

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old brake hoses get soft which then expand when brake pedal is applied. This will cause soft spongy brakes. Sometimes when too high a lift is installed, the brake hoses are extended or pulled too tight and this will also mess up the brakes

Aug 23, 2011 | 10:35 PM

#22

85blackbronco

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From: Georgia

the lift is only a 3in body and about 2in suspension and my line do not expand when brake is pushed

Oct 10, 2011 | 07:14 PM

#23

85blackbronco

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From: Georgia

So I fixed my abs i had to replace the front passenger wheel sensor and now the abs light is no longer on but my brakes are still really soft and i already tried bleading them again......?