Brake problem

[tbrewer]

99 Ranger 2.5L 2WD.

I'm having an odd problem that I cannot find the answer to anywhere. If it has already been discussed and I have overlooked it, then I apologize.

Only occassionally, I will begin to get a slight wobble in the steering wheel that will gradually get worse and the brake pedal will get incredibly stiff. Also, my acceleration drops drastically. I pull off the road and turn the truck off. I can usually smell an electrical smell. Not that anything is burning, just like a sensor has gotten hotter than normal. As soon as I start the engine again, the problem will go away and I won't have the problem again for a few days.

Also, the guy I bought the truck from apparently took some of the bulbs out of the dash (Check Engine, etc.) and I haven't had a chance to replace them. So I don't know if any warning lights are supposed to be on. I have had it put on the computer and the only code I was throwing was P0171 Bank 1 System Too Lean.

Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance.

 

[PanamaExpat]

Sounds like a caliper sticking. Check to see which wheel is hot when it does it and you will know which one needs attention. That smell is probably hot brake pads.

 

[tbrewer]

I'll check the calipers and brakes. But it doesn't smell like brakes to me. I could be wrong though.

Thanks.