Rear Brake question??
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 26,898
Likes: 3
From: southern md
I had the same problem on my 88 f150-rear brake cylinders were shot-jacked up the rear and pushed the brake and the rears were not stopping-only with parking brake did I get them to stop-changed the cylinders-what a difference!!!!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
didn't get around to looking at the rear brakes tonight, tomorow I will be able to diagnose the brake cylinders.
Still would like to learn more about diagnosing the RABS.
Thanks again for all the replies, this site rocks!!
Still would like to learn more about diagnosing the RABS.
Thanks again for all the replies, this site rocks!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 1
From: St Louis
While you are checking out the Rear brakes you may want to see if you dont have issues with a leaking oil seal in the axle. RABS only works if you are actually able to get the rear brakes to apply. It is only meant to prevent a complete lock up of the rear brakes so that the rear end doesnt loose traction when you apply the brakes in a panic situation and swing the rear end around due to the front end having a near complete transfer of weight of the vehicle, i.e. nose-diving with sudden stops like the late 60's, 70's land yachts and lifted trucks. If your rear brakes are not working, you have an auto tranny, and the engine is spinning fast enough to get movement through the torque converter to the transmission then you could overload the front brakes. First thing is to get your brakes working, then worry about the RABS unit. The RABS is suppose to default so that you still have brakes if it fails because it is basically like a pressure relief valve on your brake lines so that the pressure decreases thus the brakes back off to allow rotation.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Well jr32560 You hit that one on the head! Both cylinders seized solid!! So I changed out both piston cylinders tonight replaced the lines back to the flex block, bled them and tried it out.
I had it on jack stands and fired her up. Put it in drive and once the wheels were spinning hit the brakes and the wheel continued to spin! I should also mention that I set the adjusters to the point just so the drums would come off. the wheel slowed slightly but when I took my foot off the brake pedal and pushed it again right away they stopped. Is this a sign that the RABS is operating ??
I had it on jack stands and fired her up. Put it in drive and once the wheels were spinning hit the brakes and the wheel continued to spin! I should also mention that I set the adjusters to the point just so the drums would come off. the wheel slowed slightly but when I took my foot off the brake pedal and pushed it again right away they stopped. Is this a sign that the RABS is operating ??
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 26,898
Likes: 3
From: southern md
I am sure once you change the wheel cylinders all will be good-i never had a problem with the abs and i got 1- 87 and 1- 88 both 4 wheel drive-seen a lot of mud and snow 
-sounds like it's working okay to me!!!
-sounds like it's working okay to me!!!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 26,898
Likes: 3
From: southern md
I think you will be happy-I was-what a difference a few brake cylinders that work will make!!!you have them adjusted right?? they should work well-drove mine almost 1 year till I figured it out-figured the rabs also!!! was glad it was so easy!!!!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,026
Likes: 0
From: Belle Mead NJ
After doing brakes you always have to pump the brakes to get the "free play" out before you drive it. Thats why it didnt stop the 1st time. Even if you have the shoes adjusted tight, the wheel cylinders/calipers have to get the piston out, and the square cut seal that pulls the piston back has to get set.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 26,898
Likes: 3
From: southern md
if not turned adjust till they wont turn or you hear them rubbing and back off till the are just free-usually one or 3 clicks-it's a pain cause you got to push the auto adjuster thing but it will work-can't remember the name of it right now-dain bread!!! do both sides and you should be happier then a tornado in a trailer park-stop on a dime and leave 9 cents change!!--built FORD tough!!!