Brake fluid

[Quadracer18]

Alright, I replaced my brake pads and rotors about 2 months ago and i still dont feel that good of braking. I have a '93 and i doubt the fluid has ever been changed. my question is what are the steps involed in changing fluid out. Do you think the reason for my brakes not working too well is the fluid is old? Also could my rear brakes be the problem. Ive never messed with the rear brakes(i only had the truck for a year)if i put new pads in the rear ould i feel a big difference? Ive heard that the rear brakes dont do much to begin with and putting new pads in the rear doesnt really even need to be done. Sorry for all the questions, ive searched the forum and have come up with nothing. thanks for all of the replies in advance.
-Josh.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Start with the easy stuff.

Check your brakes and drums in the rear. They do help a lot!

What does the fluid look like? Could try bleeding them but if you never cracked the lines you shouldn't have any air in the lines.

Could be master cylinder???

 

[awood]

I picked up a low mileage 92 a couple of years ago. The brakes always felt funny to me so I decided to bleed the fluid, since I'd already checked the pads and shoes. I couldn't get any fluid out of the bleeders on the rear wheels, even with someone pushing on the pedal! The fluid was so contaminated, the RABS valve had corroded to the point that everything was closed off. If your fluid is dark, I'd definitely try to bleed and flush the system.

 

[ActionJackson]

try adjusting up the rear brakes, there should be slight drag on the wheel when you spin it. the rear drum brakes will control the majority of your pedal height. so by adjusting them you will notice a big difference. bleeding the brake system would also be a good idea. brake fluid absorbs moisture, and adding that into the system water + metal, well you know the outcome. the system should be flushed out every couple years.

 

[Quadracer18]

i do notice that if i push my petal very hard i can get it to touch the floor. How do i go about adjusting the rear brakes. Sorry but im clueless. thanks for the help guys!

 

[mikeinri]

There's a wheel with teeth inside the drum, typically there's a slot in the backing plate that you put an adjusting tool (or screwdriver) into to increase the distance between the pads by turning the toothed wheel.