Normal then spongy breaks

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 18, 2009 | 02:14 PM

cbrgary

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

Normal then spongy brakes

I have a 1997 Ford F250 Diesel. Several weeks ago the brakes got real hard to push after the initial stopping. What I mean by this is when I approach a light to stop, I push the brake pedal and all feels fine and the truck will stop good. If I let the pedal up to coast (ie: when in traffic) then try to push the brake pedal again, it's very hard to push almost like there are no power brakes (ie: like the old manual non power brake trucks).

At this point I replaced the master cylinder and bleed the brakes but no difference.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Apr 18, 2009 | 09:05 PM

F350-6

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 26,966

Likes: 50

From: Texas

You've got a hydroboost, right? If so, try flushing the power steering fluid (uses ATF)

Apr 19, 2009 | 01:40 PM

cbrgary

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

Ok, just for my knowledge, how does that tie in with the brakes????????

Apr 19, 2009 | 03:18 PM

dougc

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 316

Likes: 0

From: San Antonio, Texas

From what my mechanic tells me, the brakes and the power steering use the same reservoir. That might over simplify things, but, there you go.

Apr 19, 2009 | 04:32 PM

BPofMD

FTE Legend

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 65,938

Likes: 1,432

From: Millersville, MD

WRONG!!! Your system prob has air in the ANTI-LOCK system. I don't know where the instructions are, but I'd start up in the top of SUPER DUTY and look through the TECH Folder first: here ya go.... https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...lder_____.html

Apr 19, 2009 | 04:47 PM

krewat

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 42,561

Likes: 423

From: Long Island USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbrgary

Ok, just for my knowledge, how does that tie in with the brakes????????

On the diesels, the HydroBoost system uses power steering pressure for brake assist.

If the ABS system had air in it, it's usually like that all the time.