Soft Brake Pedal
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Soft Brake Pedal
The brake pedal on my truck travels more than it should. It's a 97 F150 XLT 4x4 with drums on the back. The engine is 4.6 with automatic transmission (134,000 miles).
I suspect the rear brakes are out of adjustment. Does this sound right?
Thanks, Rob
I suspect the rear brakes are out of adjustment. Does this sound right?
Thanks, Rob
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,357
Likes: 4,391
From: SW VA
It depends on how far it travels...
My truck has a soft pedal, my parents '99 windstar has an even softer pedal, our '91 Aerostar has a soft pedal, and my dad's '04 F150 company truck has a soft pedal. In fact, on our Aerostar, we replaced both front calipers and went through 3 master cylinders thinking that they were to blame....but nothing changed.
It's the Ford curse...they dont know what good brakes are these days...
My truck has a soft pedal, my parents '99 windstar has an even softer pedal, our '91 Aerostar has a soft pedal, and my dad's '04 F150 company truck has a soft pedal. In fact, on our Aerostar, we replaced both front calipers and went through 3 master cylinders thinking that they were to blame....but nothing changed.
It's the Ford curse...they dont know what good brakes are these days...
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I'll go ahead and inspect all four wheels and look for problems. I'm sure the truck still has the original brake fluid, so I'll flush the brake lines with new fluid.
If I find the problem, I'll post the results.
Rob
If I find the problem, I'll post the results.
Rob
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
My 97 had soft brake pedal, I replaced all of the brakes and replaced the brake fluid. Once this was all complete my brake pedal feels firm and dose not travel very far. Hope this helps you out.
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I had my 97 worked on @ brake max. No time with work/wife/kids. I had the rotors and drums turned and the system bleed. Got tired of chasing the soft pedal. Went for the easy stuff in the beginning. First; pads, rear pistons, rear brake adjust tool, brake bleed kit from checkers, new spring kit, new fluid, lubed the pins, etc. Minor improvement but still had the soft pedal but the stopping pressure and performance was better. New guy to the F150s. Enjoying it so far! First post to forum.
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I can't tell if you ever solved your problem but I routinely have to manually adjust the rear brakes on my '98 F150 2WD to bring the pedal back up to the top. The brake pedal feel is then very firm and reassurring. I know the problem is that the automatic adjusters are not working effectively but I haven't pinpointed the cause. I was probably sold the incorrect hardware when I did the brake job. In the meantime, the manual-adjust process takes about 20 minutes and is necessary only once every few months.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,357
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From: SW VA
I wonder how a Hydroboost set-up would work on these trucks? For thoes of you not familiar...the Hydroboost system uses the power steering pump to build up pressure vs. the stock brake booster which operates on engine vaccume.
A brake booster puts about 500-800psi through the brake lines. A hydroboost set-up puts out 2,500psi.
This coupled with a proportioning valve (and a rear disc brake conversion) should give you the braking experience comparable to that of a true sports car.
A brake booster puts about 500-800psi through the brake lines. A hydroboost set-up puts out 2,500psi.
This coupled with a proportioning valve (and a rear disc brake conversion) should give you the braking experience comparable to that of a true sports car.
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