Brake problems with my F-150 XL?

Question

Hello all savvy Yahoo Answers mechanics. I own a 1995 Ford F-150 XL pickup. It's a full size, with a 5.0L motor and automatic transmission. 167,000 miles. All original. Definitely one of the base models as it has no roof upholstery. Anyways... Recently I encountered a brake issue about a week ago. I was coming off the highway when my brakes decided it was a good time to go soft. There was the sound of something rolling around. After replacing my front pads, calipers, the master brake line for the front brakes, and clamping down my hydraulic line to the hose on the caliper (upon replacing the pads, which i originally started on, i pumped my brakes to acquire full pressure because i had to clamp my calipers with c clamps in order to set them in place. When I pressed the pedal to the floor, the line popped off of the caliper and sprayed fluid everywhere inside of my wheel well. I used a hose clamp to keep it snug until I get the chance to replace it.) I found out that it was one of my adjusters that snapped out of place. Specifically the one in the right rear drum. It was still solid, so I put it back together and put it where it belonged. Today on my way home, my brakes seemingly got soft again. I checked everything that I worked on for leaks, and found nothing, Just residual on the driver side caliper bleeder valve. But it doesn't feel "fresh?" To my understanding, brake fluid never loses its viscosity, and doesn't dry, because it's a petroleum based product. I also checked my master cylinder and brake booster for leaks, and found nothing of the sort. I do hear something clicking though. But I can't tell where from. It's only when I press the pedal hard enough to stop. It sounds as if something is rubbing against my tire. I know my dust shields are rotted through, but that wouldn't cause a loss of pressure. At least not to my understanding. I don't really have too much else to say. So, if there's anything you guys can offer for knowledge it would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

g-man · Accepted Answer

Best I can tell from your description of the issues is that you've temporarily repaired a front brake hose with a hose clamp?  That won't last long, hydraulic pressures in brake lines get far too high to expect hose clamps to be even a temporary fix.  Your truck is a '95 model and I can tell you from experience that brake lines eventually need to be replaced on any vehicle so my guess is that you have several others that are near failure.  While brake fluid doesn't lose viscosity it does absorb moisture and eventually picks up enough contamination to need replacement.  Considering the age of your vehicle I'd guess that time is here.  Since you've already replaced the calipers, my suggestion is that you replace all three flex hoses in the system, the two front and the one in the rear.  I'd replace both rear wheel cylinders at the same time, they're not expensive and once you've opened the system is the time to do it.  After replacement of those components check the remaining  brake lines for rust which is a sign of future potential leaks, replacing any that are badly rusted.  After that, bleed the system completely.  Hydraulic systems are sensitive to leaks and sometimes those leaks are hard to find if located inside the drums but one thing is certain if the pedal feels soft there's either a leak or air in the system and that translates into a possible brake failure at any time.   The most likely cause of the clicking sound is a loose or broken component in the rear drums.

bokor · Answer

Did you perform a caliper slide lube when you did your brakes? In case you did not lube the caliper slides, then they could be freezing up on you. Especially now that it's iciness, the metal contracts and explanations one facet to grab, whilst the other side would possibly not take hold of for like 2 or three seconds. This may additionally give an explanation for your driver's part all of the sudden grabbing. Also, i might endorse a clean and modify of your rear brakes. If the vehicle feels adore it abruptly is jerked again and downward, then you are pulling to your rear brakes an excessive amount of. Resolution is to get rid of the drum, spray a can of brake cleaner into each side (1 can will do for 2 facets), then adjust the "superstar" wheel adjuster in order that the drums are practically rough to get on. Whilst you spin your rear wheels whilst they are within the air, the again brakes must snatch a little bit. The front brakes, take the calipers back off and lube the bolts and the slides to hinder freeze up. You could be aware of if you'd messed up your flex strains considering you would have obviously no pedal. Good luck Double X

Fishman · Answer

Good luck in trying this as an novice

Trending News

Brake problems with my F-150 XL?

3 Answers