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Horrible Brakes

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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 06:00 PM
  #1  
OkLaHoMaF150's Avatar
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Horrible Brakes

Alright, here's the problems and some of the troubleshooting I've done.

I've had constant problems with my brakes since I have bought this truck (see sig). First it would surge would I would slam on the brakes. I went and got had all 4 rotors turned and installed all new brake pads on each corner. That problem went away.

Recently I've had problems with slamming the brake pedal and the truck slowly comes to a complete stop. There is constant pressure in the system and there is no air in the lines. Almost as if the booster has lost all of its braking power. If I put any kind of load in the bed or tow a small 5x10 trailer, my stopping power is aweful.

The pedal does not go to the floor but comes to a point where it stops mid-point and it still will not cause the tires to chirp or activate the ABS.

Something is up. Any ideas or suggestions?
 
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 06:44 PM
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97F1504X4EC
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When was the last time you changed the brake fluid? I had a problem similar to your and replaced the rotors and drums with new pads and shoes. The problem was not as noticeable as before but still there. When I got my brake fluid changed the problem dissappeared.

Hope this helps.
 
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 07:00 PM
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When you first get in it in the morning, before you crank it, mash and hold the brake pedal. Crank it up and if the pedal goes down the booster is OK. At least you'll be ruling out 1 thing.
 
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 08:00 PM
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The fluid has never been changed as far as I know. Ive only owned the truck since 114k miles and it just now has 125k.

The booster seems to work fine...there is just no stopping power at all. I cant figure it out.
 
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Old Jul 16, 2007 | 03:44 PM
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Are the flex lines/brake lines expanding rather than transferring the system pressure to the calipers?
 
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Old Jul 16, 2007 | 06:43 PM
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Originally Posted by ncranchero
When you first get in it in the morning, before you crank it, mash and hold the brake pedal. Crank it up and if the pedal goes down the booster is OK. At least you'll be ruling out 1 thing.
I did this exact thing this morning. I got in around 8AM this morning, put my foot on the brake pedal as hard as I felt comfortable, started the truck, and the brake pedal stayed in the same position! It did NOT depress.

However, I took it to my mechanic around 930AM and he called me back saying he thought the brakes were fine. I told him about the "scrunching" noise between the firewall where the brake pedal inside the cab goes to the booster inside the engine bay. He said that he would replace the booster and the assembly inside the firewall. I'll find out more tomorrow.
 
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Old Jul 16, 2007 | 07:59 PM
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I bought my 97 Used, and slewed through an intersection. It's still that same way.

Reading your post I was reminded that I have not checked the ABS module to see if there is some Air trapped in it. That happend to a Chrysler I owned.
 
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 02:26 PM
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Alright...I had the brake booster replaced the other day and the brakes work amazing now. I can stop on a dime.

However, I still have this "scrunching" noise when I press down the brake pedal. I thought it was the booster but with that being replaced and still making the noise, now my mechanic thinks it's the adjustable pedals. I dont think it's the pedal as I can feel/hear the noise where the push rod goes through the firewall.

Any ideas?
 
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 03:00 PM
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the pedal is on a shaft with bushings on it. i to have the same sound and i have a maunal. i just sprayed alot of wd 40 on it and it helps alittle.but the sound still comes and goes of course my truck looks and runs like it has 50,000 but it has 178,000 so i cant come plane. i take good care of it and i have not figured out how to fix the noise i just make it go away for awhile hope this helps
 
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 07:38 PM
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So probably replace those bushings and grease them heavily when I reinstall them?

That makes sense though. Im going back to the mechanic tomorrow and telling him about this. I think he just replaced the booster and reused the old bushings.

How hard is it to remove the brake booster?
 
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