No Brakes in 95 X

[Diemondrio63]

I have big time brake issues.
I noticed that the pedal was getting spongy so I figured it was time to bleed the system. I started at the right rear but stopped after finding that the bleeder was snapped off, as well as the left one, the fronts were fine. I changed the rear calipers with new ones and then the trouble started!

After what I thought was a successful bleed job I started the truck and went to move it to find that the pedal went to the floor! I then shut if off and had a firm pedal. I tried bleeding the brakes again with the engine running but never was able to get much of a pedal to do anything with. It seemed that I had back brakes only so after confirming this I went and changed the master cylinder and the brake booster. Guess what... same damn thing!

I'm now figuring it's something with the ABS system. I do have 4 wheel ABS on this thing. I'm not getting any codes nor is the ABS light on. I also noticed that when the engine is off and you push the pedal down about half way the ABS relay is clicking... any ideas???

Mark

 

[robertoa1a]

I will bet you got air into the abs body. It requires a electronic gadget that opens the valves in it to let the air out. I heard of some engineer types making home made ones, but in general, I believe it's time to take it to the shop.

 

[bisjoe]

I will bet you got air into the abs body. It requires a electronic gadget that opens the valves in it to let the air out. I heard of some engineer types making home made ones, but in general, I believe it's time to take it to the shop.

Yes, and TOW it.

 

[jremington59]

I will bet you got air into the abs body. It requires a electronic gadget that opens the valves in it to let the air out. I heard of some engineer types making home made ones, but in general, I believe it's time to take it to the shop.

Good info. Been there, done that.

 

[budwich]

you probably have more problems than you have "found". I don't think that your brakes go "spongy" without an issue somewhere in the system... bleeding them without finding the issue will not likely resolve the problem. As suggested, IF you have ABS, the system has to be "exercised" to bleed the system properly but not finding the original problem will just be a waste of time doing a bleed. Check your lines and connections for fluid residue indicating a possible leak. Was you fluid level ok prior to the problem or in the past??? I guess lastly, what is your bleed procedure??

 

[robertoa1a]

Rusty lines are always a possible issue. I would hate to hear that you parked inside someones house or worse.

 

[hotkarl]

I had a pinhole in the rear line where it runs up alongside the chassis. No drips. No evidence of a leak. I eventually found it after much frustration.
Same symptoms though. Bled it like a stuck pig and it was still spongy.

 

[jlsparky7]

Double check for leaks. If you find none you can cycle the ABS yourself. Gravel road or wet grass might even work. Get the abs to cycle and it will push the air down into the lines where it can be bled out. I know its redneck and people wont like the idea. Ive heard it works and im going to try it in a couple weeks on my ex.

Use common sense. Dont go fast or towards anything that is of value.

 

[robertoa1a]

I use a vacuum pump to bleed mine. Harbor freight has them for less than $30 and they are handy for other projects. This may get you to a point that you can get enough fluid in the lines to troubleshoot the system. The pump also allows you to measure how much fluid you removed so you don't let the M/C run dry pulling air in.

 

[Diemondrio63]

First off Thanks for all the suggestions, I really appreciate them.
My bleed procedure was with a vacuum pump. Yesterday I called a mechanic friend of mine, ex-Ford dealership mechanic in business for himself, explained my trouble and he said it needs to have a functional bleed done on it. He explained the process to me stating that he'll use the Ford scan tool and let the pump in the ABS control push the air out of the system. He said the scan tool has this function so it'll unlock the air for sure. Then he said he'll do a basic bleed at all four corners and it should be good to go.
Now some may think well why didn't you call this dude a while ago... at 65.00 an hour I think anyone would understand why I didn't
I had checked the lines and found no leaks but I'm not going to gaurantee my findings. It's going into the shop this morning so we'll see what the outcome it. I'll be sure to update my thread when this problem or problems are finally resolved. Again, Thanks to all!

Mark

 

[robertoa1a]

One more thing. If you install the calipers on the wrong side R>L the bleed valve will not be on top making it impossible to get the air out. The pedal will go to the floor.

Its hard for me to believe that that much air could get into the anti lock.

 

[robertoa1a]

The more I think about it the more I think that that's what happened. The difference between a right and left caliper is where the valve is mounted. If you get them backwards then you cant get the air out as long as there is gravity.

I will bet I am a day late and $65/hr short on that one.

 

[Diemondrio63]

Brake Issue Solved

The more I think about it the more I think that that's what happened. The difference between a right and left caliper is where the valve is mounted. If you get them backwards then you cant get the air out as long as there is gravity.

I will bet I am a day late and $65/hr short on that one.

Dude... You were exactly right! I had the front calipers on right but the backs were upside down.
Here's the outcome:

The mechanic performed the functional bleed at the ABS unit. Then he put it on the lift to bleed the four corners and noticed that the back calipers were on wrong. Then he called me and said I was an idiot... .

I brought the truck home, put the rear calipers on the right way, with the bleeder in the 12:00 position, then bled all four corners and now have a damn fine brake pedal. Bad thing was; I waited four days to get this issue solved, good thing was he took pity on me and didn't charge me a penny!
Lesson to be learned... don't work on your vehicle after you come home from working night shift!
Thanks to all who helped out with this thread!