brake advice
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F-150 brake advice
This is my first post so please forgive any mistakes or reposts.
I have an F-150 2WD with a straight 6 cyl. 160,000 miles. I have two problems with my brakes.
1. Pedal feel is very spongy and the pedal point at which the brakes take effect is low. No loss of fluid. Is this a sign of a failed vacuum booster or master cylinder? The brakes have always made a weasing/air noise inside the cabin (leading me to believe that the low pedal problem was the booster). Now there is no noise.
2. Recently I experienced erratic steering behavior on a short drive thru town. To make a long story short, it looks as if my right front caliper is frozen (continuous braking force being applied), seems like a stuck cylinder piston (?).
Are these two problems related? Is it worth it to rebuild the brakes (caliper and/or master cylinder) or purchase new? How are rebuilt parts for Ford vs. OEM? Any brands you suggest?
I purchased the truck with 140,000 miles on the odo, so I don't know what type of work has already been done brake wise.
Any advice welcome. Thanks
I have an F-150 2WD with a straight 6 cyl. 160,000 miles. I have two problems with my brakes.
1. Pedal feel is very spongy and the pedal point at which the brakes take effect is low. No loss of fluid. Is this a sign of a failed vacuum booster or master cylinder? The brakes have always made a weasing/air noise inside the cabin (leading me to believe that the low pedal problem was the booster). Now there is no noise.
2. Recently I experienced erratic steering behavior on a short drive thru town. To make a long story short, it looks as if my right front caliper is frozen (continuous braking force being applied), seems like a stuck cylinder piston (?).
Are these two problems related? Is it worth it to rebuild the brakes (caliper and/or master cylinder) or purchase new? How are rebuilt parts for Ford vs. OEM? Any brands you suggest?
I purchased the truck with 140,000 miles on the odo, so I don't know what type of work has already been done brake wise.
Any advice welcome. Thanks
Last edited by 1/4 scale; Feb 24, 2005 at 01:13 AM.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: N. Gwinnett Co. Georgia
Good brakes before all else!
You can rebuild the cylinder/piston on the caliper with minimal mess. You will need to hone the piston bore. It will require some tool purchase. You can go to a salvage yard and take your chances. Replacement Bendix parts cost a bit, but are worth it. A spongy pedal is a sign of a compressable fliud in your system (air-gaseuos fliud). You may need to have your system power bled. The wheezing sound is a sign of a vacuum booster issue. Based on your post, your master cylinder is probably okay. Jack the front of the truck off the ground and spin the wheels, if they spin freely apply the brakes and release. If one hangs up there is your confirmation. I'm glad to see that you have concern for a true safety issue. Post if any more info is needed and someone will definitely come to your aid.
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Originally Posted by tex94F250
... The wheezing sound is a sign of a vacuum booster issue. Based on your post, your master cylinder is probably okay. Jack the front of the truck off the ground and spin the wheels, if they spin freely apply the brakes and release. If one hangs up there is your confirmation. ...
Thanks Tex. I'm assuming the caliper is seized in the wheel that is not spinning -- I'll just have to remove and see. Calipers at local auto stores don't seem to be too expensives (20-40 bucks each) but I'm suspect about their quality. I've never changed the fluid in the 20,000 miles I've had the truck. I probably should have change it long ago. It is what may have lead to the piston seizing.
My biggest concern is the vacuum booster since it is the most expensive. I guess I could change the master cyl first (after dealing with the calipers) to see what happens, then move on to the booster if pedal pressure doesn't improve.
thanks again :-)
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
The only brake problem that a booster can cause is a hard pedal. It can't cause a soft or low pedal.
A soft pedal usually means air in the system. A low pedal usually means the rear shoes are out of adjustment. A sinking pedal usually means a bad master cylinder.
A soft pedal usually means air in the system. A low pedal usually means the rear shoes are out of adjustment. A sinking pedal usually means a bad master cylinder.
