Brake Problem - Vacuum vs. Drum/Shoes
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Townsend, DE
Brake Problem - Vacuum vs. Drum/Shoes
I just bought a new (for me) Diesel 85 F250 2X4 last weekend and am in the process of getting it up to par. One of the problems is a hard brake pedal. The truck is in the shop for front end work (entirely different story) and while I had it in I asked to have them take a look at the vacuum system to see what would be needed to correct the hard brakes.
They come back saying that the rear drums and shoes need to be replaced (which I don't doubt) and that the wheel bearing will need to be repacked. Two questions:
- Will replacing drums and shoes solve my hard brake pedal?
- How difficult would it be to replace the drums and shoes (and repack the bearing) myself?
They come back saying that the rear drums and shoes need to be replaced (which I don't doubt) and that the wheel bearing will need to be repacked. Two questions:
- Will replacing drums and shoes solve my hard brake pedal?
- How difficult would it be to replace the drums and shoes (and repack the bearing) myself?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Townsend, DE
I figured that the hard brakes were related to the vacuum and not from the brakes themselves based on other posts here. I assume that the shop was talking about the rear bearings because he didn't mention anything about the front brakes
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA/ Yuma, AZ
I second this. I replace rear bearings and noticed no grease, but differential gear fluid. thought its was strange so I asked around and I recieved the same answer.
replacing the rear bearings was not a hard job. easily done in a couple of hours.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
True the rear wheel bearings are oiled by the rearend gear oil, but when installing new ones, it's always good practice to pack them with grease so they get a good lube till the oil makes it's way out to the bearings.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA/ Yuma, AZ
you are right, I did pack them when installed. should have mentioned it.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Hard pedal is no vacuum boost.
If the heater only blow out the defrost vents, either a vacuum leak or dead vacuum pump.
If you can move where the heater air blows, then the vacuum pump may be weak or the booster may be going bad.
If the heater only blow out the defrost vents, either a vacuum leak or dead vacuum pump.
If you can move where the heater air blows, then the vacuum pump may be weak or the booster may be going bad.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Townsend, DE
Thanks for all the good input. I think I'll try to tackle the vacuum system this weekend and replace the brakes and get the bearings taken care of some other weekend. As far as where the heater is blowing, not a whole lot I can do about it since all the ventilation tubes have been taken off (just another of the many things that needs repair). Hopefully the worst of winter is behind me...
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Townsend, DE
Went out and picked up a vacuum gauge and sure enough absolutely no vacuum coming off the vacuum pump. So I guess the next step is to buy a replacement and install it. Has anybody out there done this before? The Chilton manual makes it sound like a fairly simple project, but I just want to be aware of any potential issues any of you may have had.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Two 10 MM bolts takes the bracket loose.
Now pull it up where you can remove the vacuum line.
When you get the new pump, you need to get the pulley off the old pump and onto the new one.
Power Steering pump pulley puller/installer is the only tool to use here.
Presses and gear pullers will damage the pulley before it moves.
This is close to the one I use.
Power Steering pulley puller/installer
Watch which one you get, the vacuum pump pulley is a bit concave and some of the pullers will not fit in the hub groove right.
When I bought mine, they were out of the right one, so I modified the one they had with a grinder so it would work.
Now pull it up where you can remove the vacuum line.
When you get the new pump, you need to get the pulley off the old pump and onto the new one.
Power Steering pump pulley puller/installer is the only tool to use here.
Presses and gear pullers will damage the pulley before it moves.
This is close to the one I use.
Power Steering pulley puller/installer
Watch which one you get, the vacuum pump pulley is a bit concave and some of the pullers will not fit in the hub groove right.
When I bought mine, they were out of the right one, so I modified the one they had with a grinder so it would work.