Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Bleeding break inconsistentcy

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 13, 2019 | 09:27 AM
  #1  
Sgtusmc98's Avatar
Sgtusmc98
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Bleeding break inconsistentcy

Just put new front calipers on my 2002 f350 4x4. I was bleeding and my wife was pushing the petal. All looked good on my side as far as no more air coming out of the lines but she said on the diver side the petal didn’t move much when I vented the fluid but on the passenger side the petal went to the floor.

Does anyone know what’s going on here? I would assume there is air in the passenger side but none is coming out with the fluid.

i will add the engine wasn’t running because she couldn’t hear me telling her what to do if it was on.
 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2019 | 07:08 PM
  #2  
Djosbun's Avatar
Djosbun
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 164
From: Southwest Ohio
The engine does not have to be running to bleed the brakes.

Are the brakes functioning properly? Does the pedal grab nice and high or does it grab low?

When you replaced all of the calipers, did you let all the brake fluid run out of the master cylinder? Does the truck have ABS?

-- Dave
 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2019 | 08:38 PM
  #3  
Sgtusmc98's Avatar
Sgtusmc98
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Djosbun
The engine does not have to be running to bleed the brakes.

Are the brakes functioning properly? Does the pedal grab nice and high or does it grab low?

When you replaced all of the calipers, did you let all the brake fluid run out of the master cylinder? Does the truck have ABS?

-- Dave
I only replaced the front calipers, it does have ABS. I messed with it again and it seems to be better, I haven’t done a test drive yet but probably will tomorrow, now if the engine is running the pedal won’t really go past the last 1/4, engine off it meets resistance very quickly. Hopefully it’s fixed.

the master cylinder got low but I don’t think it drained empty, but I couldn’t really see in there. After attaching the calipers and filling the master cylinder I let it just flow until it was a good stream coming out of the vents.
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2019 | 10:35 AM
  #4  
alloro's Avatar
alloro
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by Sgtusmc98
but she said on the driver side the pedal didn’t move much when I vented the fluid but on the passenger side the petal went to the floor.
The pedal goes to the floor when you open the bleeder screw because there is no way for the system to pressurize. So if no fluid is coming out of the bleeder screw then you might have a clog in that brake line.
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2019 | 10:50 AM
  #5  
Sgtusmc98's Avatar
Sgtusmc98
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by alloro
The pedal goes to the floor when you open the bleeder screw because there is no way for the system to pressurize. So if no fluid is coming out of the bleeder screw then you might have a clog in that brake line.
Fluid was coming out, I think it’s fixed, I think there was a big pocket of air farther up the line that made it appear to be fixed.

thanks!
 
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2019 | 08:20 PM
  #6  
droldsmorland's Avatar
droldsmorland
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 43
From: Land of Taxes
Glad you got it. You 1 truck 0.
Always tap the caliper with a hammer to dislodge air pockets.
Verify the bleeders are pointed upwards, (as they are directional).

The flexible brake lines should be replaced every 10ish years or when the mileage is up there or when they don't visually inspect well.

They can internally collapse and act as a one-way valve(on caliper piston retraction), Sounds like this was not your problem.

Proper bleeding technique is to start with the caliper farthest from the master. Working towards the closest.
Even though you only replaced the fronts.
The whole system should be flushed every few years or 60-80-100K miles depending on your level of retentiveness.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
busflyer
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
8
Jul 17, 2019 05:43 AM
F-250 restorer
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
23
Dec 12, 2010 12:16 PM
rebelmdb
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Sep 20, 2010 07:15 PM
F0rdF0rever
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Feb 17, 2008 10:29 PM
Jeffman
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
3
Oct 13, 2005 02:19 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:50 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE