Can anyone tell me if these symptoms are consistent with bad rubber brake lines in the front? (They have been pointed out as being pretty worn out before)

When I brake with any sort of power in our fresh snow, there's not much I can do to stop the rear wheels from locking up.

Under certain circumstances, not just in snow, they can be extremely touchy. Trying to lock up with gentle pressure. However I have not experienced, "touchy brake syndrome" in a while, so I know it isn't directly related to cold weather, perhaps only in part.

I also noticed that skidding a short distance, (for science) the rear tires leave, as expected, flat tracks, whereas the front tires don't seem to be stopping, leaving my tread pattern behind.

1991 f150 4X4

 

Check the rear brakes for wheel cylinder leaks. Brake fluid on the linings will make the wheels lock easily.

 

Check the rear brake wheel cylinders for sticking (brake shoes off, pull pistons out of the wheel cylinders, check for rust where the pistons sit)
Check the rear E brake cables for sticking and leaving one or both partially applied when released
A properly functioning RABS system on your 1991 will allow one rear wheel to lock up (not both)

 

No. How does someone know the front hoses are bad? What did they say about them?

I agree with 85e150’s assessment. It seems more likely there is a problem with the rear brakes. They should not be that sensitive.
Really? How does it do that? There is one hydraulic line that feeds both sides.

 

These were the photos I posted in a previous thread, (shocks have since been replaced)

Jim_K posted this.


This is why my brake hoses were my first suspect. I'll take a look at my e brake and rear brakes when I get the chance.

 

The rear brakes should not lock up as quickly as there are.

Oh. Now I understand. They appear to be the original hoses which are brittle and possibly restricted internally. You should definitely be replacing the three rubber hoses in the near future.

 

Rubber brake hoses are a maintenance item after a while.

Believe I paid $30 for all three on my '92, $20 gallon of brake fluid to flush it all, and $5 for two 24oz beers. Use an empty cut open can to DIY flush yourself once have gravity bled it or old Grey Poupon jar.