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Brake Problems

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Old Oct 19, 2008 | 01:35 PM
  #1  
RonH22's Avatar
RonH22
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Brake Problems

On my 88 F250 the rear brake lines were rusted and leaking.
I replaced all the rear lines and both wheel cylenders. I bleed the brakes with the truck off. Every thing seemed good pedal got nice and firm.
When I start the truck the pedal goes to the floor. If I leave the truck off it seems fine. What did I miss or need to do again.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2008 | 01:39 PM
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95F350XL
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From: Belle Mead NJ
Were they fine before the line blew? It could be leaking with the truck on and the added pressure of the booster. You might also have to bleed out the abs valve under the drivers door if ya have it. I bypassed mine caus it cracked from rust. Oh yea is the pedal soft or low? You might have to adjust the brakes out more. Could be too lose.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2008 | 02:00 PM
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First bleed passenger side rear wheel, then drivers side then the RABS valve, then go over them again. If you can't get a bleeder loose heat with a torch until the bleeder is red hot, (not the valve/wheel cylinder) then touch a ice cube to it. Repeat as necessary until it breaks loose. Use a 1/4" drive and six point socket that way you have plenty of meat on the bleeder as to not skip and the little handled ratchet will limit your torque so you don't snap it off. I have never not got one loose using that method, even on bleeder corroded away hardly nothing was left of them to the point of needing to use vise grips on them.

When you pump the brakes allow the motor to idle, saves on your helpers leg, or pick up a cheap hand vac and use it.
Nothing at all to be gained trying to pedal bleed the brakes with the motor off.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2008 | 02:17 PM
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Oh and if the master cylinder ran dry of fluid you will have to "bench bleed" it first, then the lines.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2008 | 02:45 PM
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i would bleed the whole system and second checking the brake shoe adjustment
 
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