Hi!
I have a 97 F-250 4x4 that I'm having a couple problems with - really need some ideas!

First, when I turn either direction, I get a groaning sound from somewhere in the front end. Thought it might be the idler arm, so I greased it - didn't help.... Tie rod ends or ball joints?? (hope not!)

Second, the brake pedal doesn't return to top when released, leaving the brakes on - have to pull up on the pedal. I replaced the pads - rotors were fine - but still have the problem! An ideas as to cause? Truck sat unused for a few months....

Thanks!

 

Have you checked the power steering fluid? Groaning sound might be low fluid. As far as brakes go, could be any number of things. Do they stop ok? Is the fluid low? Also what motor in your truck? If I remember correctly, some of the diesels use the power steering pump as the pressure for the braking system. Has been a while, so I may be remembering that wrong. Keep us posted.

 

Power steering fluid is a bit low - but above the low mark. I'll fill it and see...

As for the brakes - they stop REAL well - even did with bad pads. Fluid is full. Motor is a 5.4L. Wondering if maybe the master is going bad? Or possibly related to moisture - been pretty wet/cold here in the Seattle area...

 

Couldn't find anything wrong, so thought I'd start simple! I started to pull the brake pedal, thinking the shaft might be rusty - as I got it a bit loose, i found everything worked properly! It was just too tight! Problem solved....

 

If you actually have a 5.4L in that truck you have a light duty F-250 and are technically in the wrong forum.

Glad it’s fixed but I’d still be concerned how the brake pedal assembly got so rusty inside the vehicle.