97 F150 - mushy brakes, lots of travel.. where to start?
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97 F150 - mushy brakes, lots of travel.. where to start?
Guys, I realize this is more of a generic brake problem, but then again maybe it is "normal" for the model or at least a normal problem.
Just got a 97 F150 4.2. (no jokes please) The brakes work reasonably well, but there is a LOT of pedal travel before they activate. I can probably push the pedal 2-3 inches, and then there is a gradual onset of braking for the next inch - inch and a half or so... seems like all the braking happens in the last 15% of pedal travel.
Suggestions on where to start? I should note that pumping the brakes has makes no difference.
Just got a 97 F150 4.2. (no jokes please) The brakes work reasonably well, but there is a LOT of pedal travel before they activate. I can probably push the pedal 2-3 inches, and then there is a gradual onset of braking for the next inch - inch and a half or so... seems like all the braking happens in the last 15% of pedal travel.
Suggestions on where to start? I should note that pumping the brakes has makes no difference.
Last edited by Flot; 12-12-2006 at 11:27 AM.
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Ok well ironically enough, I get in the truck to go to lunch and the right front wheel starts making a horrific squealing sound. I assume it is the pad warning indicator. So I will try to do the front pads tonight and bleed them if I can get time / a buddy to help. My impression is that it's not worth trying to bleed them as a one man job.
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If you read Consumer Reports rating about the 97 F150s you will see in the brake area it is all rated "black",which means a poor rating.Over the next few years the brakes on the F150 improved,dramatically!
As stated above,braided lines are a very good fix.Also,flushing the brake fluid is a good way to go also.After time it breaks down and moisture gets in the system,which is a brake systems worst enemy,next to air.Bleeding the brakes also helps alot.I flush mine every year and am using Prestone synthetic DOT 4 fluid.Also,as stated above,check your rear adjusters;they do seize up with rust and need to be lubricated.
As stated above,braided lines are a very good fix.Also,flushing the brake fluid is a good way to go also.After time it breaks down and moisture gets in the system,which is a brake systems worst enemy,next to air.Bleeding the brakes also helps alot.I flush mine every year and am using Prestone synthetic DOT 4 fluid.Also,as stated above,check your rear adjusters;they do seize up with rust and need to be lubricated.
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You need to adjust the rear brakes. Leave the wheels on and jack the truck up. Put the truck in neutral. Remove the rubber plug at the bottom of the drum. Use a flat blade scredriver to spin the star wheel (should only turn one way, and make a ratcheting sound). Spin the wheel while doing this. Keep tightening until you feel/hear the shoes lightly dragging on the drum. The pedal will feel much after tightening them up. If I don't do mine every 5,00ish miles, my brake pedal sucks.
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