Sudden brake problem
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Sudden brake problem
I had almost finished backing in our travel trailer at home, then brake pedal sank some and vibrated forcefully when pushed down; even when stopped. Noticed the steering wheel had the same vibration/thumping when turned hard to once side or the other. Brake fluid and power steering fluid levels were normal but when I looked in the passenger front wheel well, noticed there was spray effect of fluid. Brake fluid? Didn't find an actual leak but is there a probable failure of a line somewhere as it comes into the brake. Glad I had made it home without a problem. Trying to read other threads, seems like brakes can be an issue. Should the all the brake lines be replaced in a 9 yr Excursion, with 180K miles for safety reasons? Thanks for any advice.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Washington State
I don't know that they all should be replaced. I definitely think you should inspect them all or have someone do it for you.
Not sure that a fluid leak would cause any vibration, per se.
Is your truck a diesel?
Not sure that a fluid leak would cause any vibration, per se.
Is your truck a diesel?
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It is a 7.3L diesel. The vibration felt is similar to how ABS feels but much stronger and the brake pedal seems to stick in the depressed position. The same vibration/thumping is felt through the steering wheel when it is turned all the way to once side or another. The power steering seems a little more difficult too. Not sure how the two are connected.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: N.GA Mountains
They are 'connected' because both use hydraulic pressure from the power steering pump.
Is it possible someone recently topped off the power steering reservoir with the wrong juice??
Is the ABS light on?
Is it possible someone recently topped off the power steering reservoir with the wrong juice??
Is the ABS light on?
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No additions to the power steering fluid that I know of. No lights have come on the dashboard either. I was expecting to see some warning light and none has light up. I drove it a short distance today and doesn't seem like I have lost any brake power but the pounding in the pedal is very strong.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Washington State
Have you checked your power steering fluid reservoir?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
Fluid shouldn't just spew like that for no reason....there's a reason why, it just hasn't made itself known yet.
Pull the tire off and look closely at the lines, you'll probably find your answer...
Pull the tire off and look closely at the lines, you'll probably find your answer...
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Took the Ex in today. Haven't heard from them but the suspicion is the power steering pump (fluid level was normal). Something about a spring goes bad within the pump. The fluid spray in the right passenger front wheel well seemed to be a internal front axle seal leak. Strange coinicidence. Don't know why that would happen. Hubs were not locked and haven't used the 4WD.
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