Brake expert needed

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Sep 28, 2020 | 01:44 PM

96f150

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2000

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From: In my House

Brake expert needed

so my 01 has been having some issues for quite some time now with brakes. It (seems) that the rears arent working like they should. I was coming down a fairly long grade unloaded yesterday and by the bottom i could smell the brakes and my pedal was fading. This shouldnt be. I recently replaced my front rotors, pads, both front calipers 12/2019. The truck has always had a hard time breaking ever since i replaced the ABS unit 4 yrs ago. Im at a los for what to check next. I can pump the brakes a few times with key off and the pedal gets hard. Booster going bad? It feels like i really have to press the pedal down hard to get it to stop too.....Any advice?

Sep 28, 2020 | 09:20 PM

Bluegrass 7

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2006

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A list of things you need to evaluate:
1 The Booster only hold enough vacuum for 3 to 4 pumps before the pedal goes hard without the motor running..
2. Is the heat generated at the front significantly higher than the rear or vice versa.? A possible tip off.
3. Are the pads the same on both ends?
4. What is the quality of the Pads. Don't expect very good performance from the low price spread.
Pads are of 3 grades of performance. Good beginning braking then fade off a bit. Need heat before good braking begins. and just plain no good.
All will fade if heated enough. The only way the pads get rid of heat is through the discs and boil the fluid in the caliper,
5. Are you able to bleed the rear calipers so there is no idea the line/s are blocked/
6. Sometimes the abs unit can be a problem.
Somewhere in all this is the answer or multiple reasons that stacked up..
On an old vehicle, the parts match can get away from the user and create issues that becomes perplexing until all thought out.
Good luck.

Sep 29, 2020 | 05:24 AM

96f150

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2000

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From: In my House

How long time wise, should the booster be holding vacuum? Just a few hours? I would assume that it leaks down overnight normally. I did gravity bleed the rears last night again. I believe I am going to replace the front pads. I cant remember what brand i put on there. I would have to say Napa? I will get an OEM set of pads

Sep 29, 2020 | 09:09 PM

96f150

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2000

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From: In my House

Could it also be an issue that my stone shields on my front brakes are completey rusted away and maybe their not cooling the rotors quick enough?

Sep 30, 2020 | 09:42 AM

jimgnj

5th Wheeling

Joined: Mar 2020

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Try driving around in an open parking lot without braking very much. After some time get out and feel each rotor with your finger tips. If you find a hot one or two you know they are hanging up and dragging. Often overlooked are rubber brake lines collapsing from inside out. At 19 years old you can't go wrong changing out the rubber lines front and rear.

Sep 30, 2020 | 09:44 AM

alloro

Fleet Owner

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From: 0,0,1

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96f150

Brake fade is caused by excessive heat. When going down long grades it is advisable to downshift to reduce the need to brake as much, or when braking apply firm pressure in short braking bursts to allow cooling time instead of "riding" the brakes which doesn't allow cooling time.