Brake problems

[FordGuy100]

I've been having this problem on and off, but its getting way worse this time

Symptoms: Peddle goes all the way to the floor, there is no "pumping" you can do, it goes all the way down to the floor and engages the rear brakes, which makes for some hairy situations. I'm loosing some brake fluid somewhere, not much, but in a couple weeks it will be down half an inch. If I slam on the peddle I get it to use the brakes normally for a second until it fades away and goes the floor. If I do it really fast and hard it will slow my truck down maybe 5mph, then goes away.

What do you think would cause this, its getting really annoying

 

[towcat]

sounds like a master cylinder bleeding down.
also, pull the master off the booster to see if you have leakage out the back of the master.

 

[k_williams1982]

Sounds like the front calipers aren't working properly. I had that happen in my '85 F250 Extended cab. After two days of symptoms similar to yours, I went to hit the brakes and they started to slow me down, then there was a "pop" as the pedal hit the floorboard. Something (a seal ???) on the front passenger caliper literally "blew" out as sprayed brake fluid everywhere! I barely got stopped in time to keep from hitting the car in front of me... At least it was a police officer, so I wouldn't have had to wait long for a response time.

 

[Exekiel69]

Master cylinder is the first thing that comes to mind, also if You loose so much fluid unless it bleeds through the MC into the booster You should be able to see it. Also if it is acting like this, may I suggest not to drive it until is gets fixed.

 

[LCAM-01XA]

Yeah, sounds like a master cylinder problem, internal leak most likely - it's a common problem if the parts are still original to the truck, swap the master cylinder and it should be fine. Someone brought up the point about the booster - that one needs inspected too, as brake fluid leaking out the master cylinder often enters the booster and kills the diaphragms inside it - if the booster is near dead that's a a perfect opportunity for hydroboost conversion

 

[FordGuy100]

Well ok, I will buy a master cylinder and see if that helps. How do I insepct the booster? Just look inside or what lol?

hydroboost would be nice but I have no money

 

[towcat]

Well ok, I will buy a master cylinder and see if that helps. How do I insepct the booster? Just look inside or what lol?

hydroboost would be nice but I have no money

dont' do the master yet untill you inspect the backside first.
if the booster has brake fluid in it, you have a problem.

 

[FordGuy100]

dont' do the master yet untill you inspect the backside first.
if the booster has brake fluid in it, you have a problem.

So...pull the master off and inspect before condemming it? Or just look on the backside of the master cylinder as its still attached for brake fluid?

 

[Exekiel69]

You'll have to pull it, it can leak and not be obvious from outside. Some You can see it roting the booster paint off, not always.

 

[69oiler]

my vote is master cylinder.

 

[towcat]

you can pull the master while the lies are still attached.

 

[towcat]

you can pull the master while the lies are still attached.
just make sure you re-secure it before you loosen the line nuts.

 

[FordGuy100]

FYI The paint on the booster is bubbling off, and is semi wet with brake fluid. Looks like I'll pull it here soon and see what it looks like. In the mean time, I'll just do a lot of engine braking like I have been

 

[tknomaj]

He just want's to meet the (LEO) K Williams almost got to MEET

 

[FordGuy100]

She's acting good again. Spent a minute or two in reverse stepping on the brake to adjust them, and its all good again. I will definatly fix it though, just right now, its all good (until it happens again )