ABS mod, or MC? 2008 Escape
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ABS mod, or MC? 2008 Escape
OK so this issue first started in July on way back from Florida the brakes started going to the floor. You did have normal braking power, but you had to about stand on them. Took it to mechanic who cleaned and adjusted brakes, after that they seemed to work fine. Fast forward to a month later, I was going over some train tracks with a somewhat heavy load, I braked when going over them, right after that it seemed the brakes went about half way before braking. I took it back to same mechanic who said it's now either the Master Cylinder, or ABS module. I have found so many conflicting posts on this I'm not sure which way to go. I'd really hate to spend $400 on MC, and then it turns out to be ABS. There is also a swooshing noise when you depress brake. Any ideas?
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The swooshing noise is most likely the power brake booster; did that noise begin at the same time as the pedal going too far down? If so, that's a strong indication of your problem.
If the ABS system is having a problem, the computer's diagnostic system most likely is aware of it; might take the car to a parts store and have them pull the computer codes for you, just to check.
If the ABS system is having a problem, the computer's diagnostic system most likely is aware of it; might take the car to a parts store and have them pull the computer codes for you, just to check.
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I will bet you that you can pump the pedal firm if you disconnect & plug the vacuum hose leading to the power brake booster and start the engine, I'll bet the pedal behaves the same was as you described above. And if you reconnect the vacuum hose and do the test again (engine running) and the pedal again drops to the floor and the noise returns (which is vacuum escaping from the bladder inside the booster) you've just verified a problem.
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Yes, I'm saying to pull the vacuum hose to remove the power assist the booster provides and see if your pedal still goes down too far - which it shouldn't in that vacuum-disconnected configuration.
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OK, I took it up to O'rileys they didn't pull any codes off it. I'm not sure the guy knew what he was doing though. I just checked brake fluid and it's at right level, and looks clean. As far as pulling vacuum line what do I need to cover that with? I'm willing to give it a shot, just never done it before.
Also thanks for your help man, I have not been able to find much on this.
Also thanks for your help man, I have not been able to find much on this.
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Put a plug (perhaps a bolt or some other appropriately-sized object to seal off that hose) in the rubber hose you pull off the booster.
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
OK, this is pointing to a failing power brake booster, sounds like perhaps a hole has been worn into the bladder, or perhaps an O-ring that seals the booster against the brake master cylinder.
Read this thread, for example:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ng-brakes.html
Do you have the ability to do your own work? autozone.com has some halfway-decent repair manual information on it (I think you need to create an account to view it but it's free).
BTW I would find a different mechanic if I were you.
Read this thread, for example:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ng-brakes.html
Do you have the ability to do your own work? autozone.com has some halfway-decent repair manual information on it (I think you need to create an account to view it but it's free).
BTW I would find a different mechanic if I were you.
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It shouldn't be really difficult to replace assuming you've got tools, e.g. sockets & ratchets & extensions. Look on the autozone site for more detailed instructions - or Google it, might even be youtube videos explaining it. 
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