Just a quick question:

How many F-150s out there have a lot of brake pedal travel? I have good braking power, but when I put on the brakes, if I keep pressing harder on the pedal, it will eventually reach the floor (I am already stopped by now-just pressing hard). If I let up and press again, it does not travel as far.

I was told by the dealer that this is normal?

Any thoughts out there? What are your trucks like?

Thanks for your input.

 

If you hold steady pressure on the pedal, and it slowly goes to the floor, that is usually an indication of an internal leak in the master cylinder. The master cylinder probably should be replaced.

 

I would second 94van. It sounds like a master cylinder to me. That's not what it is supposed to do. Now, brake fade is the amount that the pedal moves as the brakes heat up. All vehicles have fade, but the pedal should never, and I mean never, go to the floor. Something is wrong, I think.

 

Have you made sure that the rear drums are adjusted properly and that the auto adjusters are working properly? This is more if the pedal isn't hard to begin with.

If you press on it and it is slowly going to the floor.....then go back to what 94van said.

 

some travel is normal and caused by the ABS system, as you apply peressure to the pedal the ABS system compensates by relieving the pressure so it is possible for it to go clear to the floor if you push it.

 

That was my thought 94van after I went through and bled all the brake lines (prescribed way) and the ABS module. I took it to the dealer as mentioned and they did replace the MC, however, I still have the same pedal action as described.

What I am trying to find out is how do other F150s act out there? What does yours do? The dealer told me it was normal. If I get a list of people from here that tell me that theirs does not act this way, I will insist they find the problem. I have 50 miles left under an extended warranty and I want it solved before it expires...

Thanks.

 

My '87 acts the same way yours does. If I stomp on the pedal it grabs really good. If I ease into the brakes they seem to take longer to catch, and I can lock the tires even though the pedal has gone down a long ways. My abs light is on, so that may have something to do with it too, if the valve is going out or is already shot. I have noticed that they seem to get better when I adjust the rears by doing the backup and hit the brakes method. My dad's '92 has a very firm pedal though. Whether I ease into the brakes or hit them hard, there's no difference, nice and tight.

 

That ONLY happens if you're about to lock up a wheel. If you're sitting at a light, or easing onto the brakes, the pedal should NOT drift down. If it does, you have a fluid leak from the system, or a bad MC.