Help Needed with Brake Problem

[nrl073]

My 2001 Ranger Edge requires longer than normal stopping distances. I can press the brake pedal to the floor and the truck will slowly come to a stop.

The brake pedal does not feel overly spongy. The brake fluid is at the correct level.

There is no unusual noise coming from the brakes like it is grinding metal, and I have not heard any wear indicators in the 6 months that I have owned the truck.

Any troubleshooting tips?

Thanks.

 

[aldive]

Have you checked the condition of the pads?

 

[bisjoe]

The first I'd check is the rears, after 6-7 years the self adjusters don't work as they are supposed to so the shoes may not be making good contact with the drums. If you have had the truck 6 months and have not checked the brakes it's time you did, you want to replace pads and shoes before you get the grinding of metal on metal, and not all of them had wear indicators.

 

[nrl073]

I checked the emergency brake and it holds very well, so I am not sure that the problem is in the back.

I pulled off one of the front wheels and can see that the front pads have plenty of life left in them.

Could the problem be that they are poor quality pads in the front, or should I concentrate my efforts on the rear drums?

 

[manaen]

There could also be air in the lines, I would suggest bleading all four corners, it's good anyway to change out the old fluid, as it gets older it looses it's hydraulic properties which gives a spongy feeling.

 

[bisjoe]

The parking brake is a totally separate animal, since it uses a cable that can be adjusted under the truck. I'd suggest blocking the front tires and jacking the rear up, release the parking brake and put it in neutral, and see how they spin. You should find them to spin pretty freely but get a slight rubbing sound if the rears are adjusted properly.

You could first try to adjust them by backing up and hitting the brakes hard several times, and see if the self adjusters tighten it up and give you the pedal you are looking for. I still think you should inspect the rears if you haven't already, they could be well worn.

 

[Wrench]

I have found the quality of the OEM lining to be marginal and the rear wheel cylds to be poor. I recommmend a complete overhaul of the rear and front brake systems. If you can't stop, don't start! This includes all return springs. and slack adjusters. Glazing of the drums/rotors/lining don't help. Is yours an ABS system?

 

[nrl073]

Is yours an ABS system?

Yes, I have ABS. Does that make a difference to anything you have suggested?