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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 08:03 PM
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HELP! Brakes!

I had to stop suddenly today (deer in the headlights ). I slammed on the brakes and instead of feeling the thudthudthud of the ABS, it felt like I stepped in a pile of dog turd. THe truck stopped... eventually (I missed the deer), but I smelt a nasty smell once I had stopped (sort of a plasticky smell- hard to describe). I had it in for brake work a few months ago, and I noticed this issue a few weeks ago, I just never noticed how severe it was. I love to work on my truck, but I refuse to touch any part of the braking system, I don't trust myself at all. So, I think I'll bring it to STS tomorrow where I had the previous brake work done. My local Ford dealer's service department is really... hard to deal with, to put it as nicely as possible.
Any ideas ahead of time as to what the problem is?
Thanks
 
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 08:19 PM
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what kind of brake work did they do?did they run new lines?because if the did and they didnt get all the air out it will make your brakes mushy,and posibly make you abs not work right.i think the smell that you smelt might of just been hot brakes.
 
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 08:26 PM
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I dug up the receipt- they remanufactured 2 calipers, replaced 2 rotors, did some parking brake stuff and flushed the brake system.
 
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 08:26 PM
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all in the front (except the parking brakes obviously)
 
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 08:40 PM
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sounds like there, is air in the abs pump or in the system some were...
 
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 08:47 PM
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I agree with air in the lines and the smell would likely be the pads but definitely make them repair the previous work. And test them in an empty lot or deserted stretch of road right away after the work is done. And in the future come to us for help. Brakes are EAAAASSSYY once you have done them. Just not that much to them.
 
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Old Jul 13, 2009 | 09:04 PM
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Thanks guys. Most of the reason I couldn't do the brake work in the first place was because it was all corroded and I don't have impact tools to take it all apart. That, and I'm really intimidated by them. I just can't bear the thought of messing something up and flying off a cliff or something. I thought most brake systems were self-bleeding these days?
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 06:21 AM
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Originally Posted by 74baja
Thanks guys. Most of the reason I couldn't do the brake work in the first place was because it was all corroded and I don't have impact tools to take it all apart. That, and I'm really intimidated by them. I just can't bear the thought of messing something up and flying off a cliff or something. I thought most brake systems were self-bleeding these days?
some of the newer cars and trucks have an option when there hooked up to a scanner to power bleed the abs pump.but if there is air in the system it willstill be in there,all it does is help get it out of the abs pump.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 06:32 AM
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were the pads broken in correctly. These brakes are pretty big and to get them to bed in properly could be a bit of a chore. Got to get them hot !!!

Air in the lines is most likely the culprit for dog turd feel.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 07:32 AM
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Thanks guys. If I was to try to get the air out of the lines, is there a way for me to do that myself?
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 07:10 PM
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well.you need to get a buddy to help you.have him or her get in the truck pump the brakes 4-5 times,then tell him to hold it down,and you crack the bleeder on the caliper.watch for air to come out.Also keep an eye on the brake fluid and start at the wheel fathest away from the resivore.you might have to do this for a while to get the air out,exspecialy if there is air in the abs system.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 09:18 PM
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So, while I'm waiting for air, there will be brake fluid coming out of the bleeder?
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by 74baja
So, while I'm waiting for air, there will be brake fluid coming out of the bleeder?
yes brake fluid will come shooting out.also when the pedle has gone allte way to the floor the fluid willstop coming out.make shure when this happens that you close the bleeder before he lets up on the pedle.if you dont you pull air back into the brake line.ohh and you should have the truck runing to do this.keep a close eye on the stream of fluid coming out,s you can see if any air comes out.to tell if air does comes out the steady stream will kinda stop for a second or longer depending o how much air there is.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 09:36 PM
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Yes, brake fluid will come out. Have more brake fluid handy to keep topping off the reservoir. Don't let it go dry or more air will enter the lines.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 09:40 PM
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ohh try not to get any brake fluid on your paint because the two dont likeeach other.if you do get some on there dont panic just wipe it off quickly.
 
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