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1998 E350 7.3l front break problem

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Old Aug 6, 2015 | 01:54 PM
  #1  
sonicpops's Avatar
sonicpops
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1998 E350 7.3l front break problem

These are long time problems.

1. Front left break skids the tire for 6" when I touch the breaks, touch; not slam on. The van stops straightaway without any left a right pulling while normally breaking. Condition seems to go away after I've driven for maybe five minutes and use the brakes a number of times?

2. If I put constant pressure on the brake pedal with the engine running and the car stopped, the pedal will slowly depress to the floor. There is no brake fluid coming out of the front or rear breaks anywhere. Brake reservoir is full.

If I'm going down a steep slow offroad grade, the pedal as mentioned, will slowly depressed to the floor - and I need to get off the brakes quickly to get the pedal back up, and quickly get back on the brakes again to control my slow descent. A little scary sometimes.

I have new ECB rotors and pads. The ABS sensor on the backing plate has been wire brushed clean and proved responsive to a ohm test with a magnet.
I don't know if that is an acceptable test, but at least I got a reaction out of the sensor.

Any ideas out there?

Thanks, mike in So Cal
 
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Old Aug 7, 2015 | 07:23 PM
  #2  
econolinemanor's Avatar
econolinemanor
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Brake pedal going down halfway or so is ok, but if it's actually bottoming out solid against the stop and you can pump it back up the Master Cylinder might be bad. The left front sounds like a frozen or hanging Caliper, and burnt up "black" Brake Fluid can mess up the ABS system...............?
 
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Old Aug 7, 2015 | 08:04 PM
  #3  
richter roxs's Avatar
richter roxs
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Joined: Jun 2014
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From: boston
stop driving this vehicle till you fix the brakes ! It sounds like you need a master cylinder and a caliper.

good luck ,
 
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Old Aug 10, 2015 | 01:45 AM
  #4  
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theoldwizard
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My gut says replace both front ABS speed senors.
 
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Old Aug 11, 2015 | 04:09 PM
  #5  
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blageurt
Fleet Mechanic
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Joined: May 2011
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From: Thornhill , Ontario
I agree with all 3 above statements.... Definitely check fluid condition and I also believe you need a new Master...Or at least flush the system with new brake fliud.....
 
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