'squishy' brakes on sport trac

[huff143]

I have an '01 Sport Trac with 150,000 on it (runs like a top btw), but in the last few months I've noticed an increasing amount of distance and force on the pedal is required to stop it. The front brakes also just starting making some noise and I'll be replacing the rotors and pads next weekend.

I was wondering, will replacing the rotors and pads affect the 'spongieness' or is that an entirely different monster?

Thanks, all!

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Yep, once you get new pads and rotors on there it'll help with the stopping distance. Make sure you clean and grease the caliper sliders and bleed the brake lines to get any unwanted air and dirt in the system out. there's plenty of project threads in this forum and the stock '95-01 Explorer forum. Check all of the brake lines and hoses for rust, cuts, buldging, etc..

 

[LONO100]

bleed the lines!

 

[huff143]

Whew. I was hoping you weren't going to tell me it was some mega dollar part that was discontinued in '02 and now I have to hike to Nepal to get it...

I haven't bled brakes since my 66 Chevelle SS, and I'm sure it's different. Do you think air has made its way in there, or is bleeding them just the thing to do per standard practice while replacing rotors?

Thank you two very much for helping me..

 

[MidnightRebel07]

You should really bleed to brake system whenever replacing atleast the brake pads if not more often just to keep the hydrualic system clean of debris because eveytime the brakes are compressed the calipers, wheel cylinders take in small amount of dirt from the pistons, etc...

Nothing has really changed from the older vehicles to newer ones as far as bleeding the brake system. start with the RR then the LR next RF and then the LF. If you've done it before you know how to do it.

 

[huff143]

That makes me feek A LOT better. Thanks Rebel!

 

[mball19]

You should really bleed to brake system whenever replacing atleast the brake pads if not more often just to keep the hydrualic system clean of debris because eveytime the brakes are compressed the calipers, wheel cylinders take in small amount of dirt from the pistons, etc...

Nothing has really changed from the older vehicles to newer ones as far as bleeding the brake system. start with the RR then the LR next RF and then the LF. If you've done it before you know how to do it.

Is the bleed order the same for an 03 with rear disks?

 

[1Aauto]

We carry some great brake pad and rotor kits. Once you change them, test the brake pedal, and then bleed the brakes if they still feel squishy.

Here's a link to our Ford Explorer Sport Trac Brakes