80 inline6 brake issues
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 4
If you can pump the pedal really fast and it tightens up, this means there is either still air in the lines, or the brake shoes still aren't adjusted all the way, or the pads/shoes haven't seated themselves.
It could also mean you still have a bad master. Brake fade and loss of pedal results in fluid going by the seals. It isn't uncommon these days to buy bad parts even though they're new.
Did you reset the proportioning valve? I think there's a procedure for that somewhere here.
Is your dash brake light on too?
It could also mean you still have a bad master. Brake fade and loss of pedal results in fluid going by the seals. It isn't uncommon these days to buy bad parts even though they're new.
Did you reset the proportioning valve? I think there's a procedure for that somewhere here.
Is your dash brake light on too?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
When you adjust the shoes out to touch the drum are you banging on the backing plate to get everything to center? When you put new shoes on nothing is centered, and the shoes will hit the drum far earlier than they should. So adjust the shoes tight, hit the backing plate with a rubber mallet, check the adjustment, hit the ..... Once it stops moving, meaning it has centered, you can adjust the shoes for a slight drag.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
thanks 1983f150... I do try get all the details down but i forget sometimes..lol but they are the same questions I ask when someone asks me for help.. I do love the search feature as well has helped a ton already.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
Don't see how it can be the calipers if bringing the emergency brake on makes the brakes work correctly. Seems to me to be something with the rear brakes.
When you adjust the shoes out to touch the drum are you banging on the backing plate to get everything to center? When you put new shoes on nothing is centered, and the shoes will hit the drum far earlier than they should. So adjust the shoes tight, hit the backing plate with a rubber mallet, check the adjustment, hit the ..... Once it stops moving, meaning it has centered, you can adjust the shoes for a slight drag.
When you adjust the shoes out to touch the drum are you banging on the backing plate to get everything to center? When you put new shoes on nothing is centered, and the shoes will hit the drum far earlier than they should. So adjust the shoes tight, hit the backing plate with a rubber mallet, check the adjustment, hit the ..... Once it stops moving, meaning it has centered, you can adjust the shoes for a slight drag.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 0
From: Richmond
In line with what Gary is saying...
Jack up one side and remove the wheel, truck braced and in neutral. You can pull the drum off a bit, and should still be able to spin it. Have someone in the cab stand on the brake pedal and see what happens. See if it's moving enough to make contact, etc.
It can be a pain. When I first had my truck the parking brakes were rusted in the on position. So tight I couldn't get the drums off without a 2x2 and hammer. Left them loose and went riding down my street. Almost had to use my shirt as a parachute to stop. Took a few tries to get it all aligned, and this was with no new parts.
Also, if the shoes have been on for a couple uses, you should be able to see where they are and aren't grabbing. If they're all worn because of the parking brake- put something that will rub off easily on the shoes, put the drum on, spin it, apply the brakes, take it off and see where it's rubbing with just the pedal applied.
Jack up one side and remove the wheel, truck braced and in neutral. You can pull the drum off a bit, and should still be able to spin it. Have someone in the cab stand on the brake pedal and see what happens. See if it's moving enough to make contact, etc.
It can be a pain. When I first had my truck the parking brakes were rusted in the on position. So tight I couldn't get the drums off without a 2x2 and hammer. Left them loose and went riding down my street. Almost had to use my shirt as a parachute to stop. Took a few tries to get it all aligned, and this was with no new parts.
Also, if the shoes have been on for a couple uses, you should be able to see where they are and aren't grabbing. If they're all worn because of the parking brake- put something that will rub off easily on the shoes, put the drum on, spin it, apply the brakes, take it off and see where it's rubbing with just the pedal applied.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 9
From: Acworth, GA
Here's a picture of the rear brakes;
Also, the calipers should be installed so that the bleed port is on the top. Sometimes people will forget this when installing a new set of calipers. If they are installed on the bottom, then just switch sides and they will be on the top.
Also check the rubber brake lines. When they get old they will degrade and become soft. When brake pressure is applied they will expand, which you do not want. I use only steel braided lines when I replace them. Overkill, I know.
Also, the calipers should be installed so that the bleed port is on the top. Sometimes people will forget this when installing a new set of calipers. If they are installed on the bottom, then just switch sides and they will be on the top.
Also check the rubber brake lines. When they get old they will degrade and become soft. When brake pressure is applied they will expand, which you do not want. I use only steel braided lines when I replace them. Overkill, I know.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
One Sock
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jan 12, 2019 11:49 PM
hurst1979olds
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
29
Aug 30, 2016 10:01 PM
NBC-Steve
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
20
Jun 21, 2010 09:51 PM
5.0Torx
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Oct 19, 2006 11:51 PM