Squishy Brakes
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Squishy Brakes
Hi all,
I was towing my boat today (about 2000 lbs, no trailer brakes) and I noticed something funny. I just changed front rotors and pads about two weeks ago and right after that, the brakes felt great. But today, sometimes they felt like they did right after the change, but sometimes they would be squishy. Like, I would step on them and they'd be firm at first, but them the pedal would squish down some, and be firm again, but then squish down some. When I pumped the pedal, it would firm up again. I had no trouble stopping, so close calls, but the feeling was disconcerting. Any ideas?
Thanks
I was towing my boat today (about 2000 lbs, no trailer brakes) and I noticed something funny. I just changed front rotors and pads about two weeks ago and right after that, the brakes felt great. But today, sometimes they felt like they did right after the change, but sometimes they would be squishy. Like, I would step on them and they'd be firm at first, but them the pedal would squish down some, and be firm again, but then squish down some. When I pumped the pedal, it would firm up again. I had no trouble stopping, so close calls, but the feeling was disconcerting. Any ideas?
Thanks
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: NJ
When you replace the pads and rotors, should you always flush? It was bled twice at STS while trying to diagnose the brake issue before replacing the rotors and pads. I did that myself though, so it's not their fault.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
Well, if yours were like mine you had to squeeze the pistons back into the calipers to get them on. So that usually requires bleeding at a minimum. If you had problems before, then well you still have them. I recommend flushing that fluid out completely. It is not expensive at all for the fluid. Good luck.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Ok, will do. I got instructions for bleeding in my last brake thread, but how do I flush the system?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
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
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
normally when you have air in the lines the first application will be low or spungy then will pump up strong
Pushing the pads back in won't put air in the lines actually may push air out if there is any in there
Pushing the pads back in won't put air in the lines actually may push air out if there is any in there
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
I hear ya. Try buying two new hub assemblies buddy. You flush the system by basically bleeding all of the old fluid out. Just keep topping it off in the master cylinder until it is gone.
As for the master cylinder, mine did the same thing after I changed pads. There is nothing wrong with my master cylinder.
As for the master cylinder, mine did the same thing after I changed pads. There is nothing wrong with my master cylinder.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
Once you are sure there is no air in the system there are two ways to check if the MC is bypassing
!-Hold firm pressure on the pedal if the pedal starts creeping down it is a good sign of bypassing
2-remove resivoir cap and have someone hold firm pressure on the pedal while watch the fluid.Bypassing would give a fluid movement while the pedal is held down
!-Hold firm pressure on the pedal if the pedal starts creeping down it is a good sign of bypassing
2-remove resivoir cap and have someone hold firm pressure on the pedal while watch the fluid.Bypassing would give a fluid movement while the pedal is held down
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Wait, I forgot to mention something. When I flushed my power steering, I accidently added some PS fluid to the brake resiviour. Just a little bit, maybe an ounce. Could this be messing things up?