spongy brakes

[olred90]

hi everybody,

i've been reading some other threads about squishy brakes. my 90 ranger is doing the same thing. you have to press the pedal to the floor to get most of the pressure. thats about the only thing holding it back from getting it inspected. it seems like the most likely thing is to bleed the brakes (my dad said he's never done that). i just wanted to get some more opinions.

thanks.

[mudnsnow]

Normally if you have'nt open circuit you don't have to bleed it. Have you check for brake oil leaks.....Check if your calipers pins are not seazed by rust. This can result in spongy pedals too. Check at he rear if the brake cylinder are not leaking or seazed too.

[dennis461]

could be adjustment of the rear brake SHOES.
The small parts inside the DRUM can rust and stop working making the HSOE have to travel too far before it touches the DRUM.
My left rear small parts had rusted off completely, then ground up between the SHOE and the DRUM.
Replaced the samll parts and it's good as new now.

and

It was easier than bleeding the brakes.

Front DISC brakes don;t have the same kind of trouble.

Good luck.