Wow, I knew there were issues with these bakes, but this just sucks.
Finally after replacing front and rear rotors and pads, bleeding the system twice ( once with front rotors, then again with rears) and making the screw adjustment behind the MC, I was able to get rid of the soft pedal, and the pedal travel. The brakes were finally nice and firm.
Well they were. I took the truck today to get the stuff to change the oil before going in to get the truck emissions tested and the softness was back. acted like there was air in the lines, if I pressed the brake pedal, released it and pressed again it firmed right up. What else is there to do or try?? It's the wife's truck, so I don't drive it very often.
Thanks for any thoughts or ideas.

 

It sounds like the master cylinder may be shot...?

I don't know how it is on the X as I've only had mine for 3 weeks but I've had to replace the master cylinder on my past vehicles because from symptoms that you described (i.e. soft pedal needing pump to firm).

Good luck and update what you find.
Jackson

 

So how do I test or check out the MC? The truck doesn't seem to be leaking brake fluid, the fluid level is still were I topped it off to on the last bleeding after doing the rear brakes. And I havent seen any leaks anywhere else, but I'll go out when the wife get's home and do another once over to double check.
Other than removing the fluid reservoir housing to adjust the plunger set screw to reduce the brake pedal travel, I've never takin a mc apart or worked on one before. Any idea's or tricks or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Scott.

 

Hey Scott,

If you step down on the brake pedal until it is firm, hold it there. If the pedal starts to go all the way to the bottom, then it is likely that your master cylinder is shot. Sorry, I don't have a more technical term or method for diagnosting this- perhaps others on this board can help.

I've never tried repairing a MC- I've only replaced it in my gassers. They usually not very expensive but I have no idea what one costs for the X. The unit should be located directly underneath the plastic reservour and in front of a circular metal dish that is mounted against the driver-side firewall. If it is anything like a gasser (sorry, at work so can't check on my X), there should be 4 bolts holding it in place along with 2 brake lines coming off the side (1 each for the front and rear axles).

Replacing it should be something along the lines of draining the brake fluid, remove the metal brake lines, and the mounting bolts that securing it against the circular metal dish. There will be a push-rod from the brake pedal that may or may not be fasten to the back of the master cylinder.

Let me know what it turns out to be. Good luck.

Thanks,
Jackson

 

Well I'll give it a try as soon as the wife gets home. I'm guessing that if the MC is going, I shouldn't have to hold the pedal too long. If it is going bad, that is just crap. only have 47k miles on the stupid truck.

Guess while I'm checking out the MC I'll do the steering box adjustment too. When the truck was new till around the end of last year the steering was nice and tight. now there is a little play to it and it is starting to wander.

Oh well, just add it to the list. Just had the trans replaced in my truck last month, it only has 75k on it.

Thanks for your help.