Brakes soft, pedal goes all the way to the floor. 2001 4.0L

[5.0gray90']

The brakes in my 2001 4.0L 4x4 ranger are soft and the pedal goes all the way to the floor when braking. it stops, but it doesnt stop like it should. Has anyone had this problem, or know any solutions. I cant see any brake fluid leaking, the only thing i suspect is a wheel cylinder in the back, would that cause this problem?

 

[3.0ranger1227]

bleed the system... is the reservoir full?

 

[5.0gray90']

yes the reservior is full.

 

[TechmanDan]

From the top, check:
Master Cylinder, filled to correct level.
Check consistency and color of fluid, compare to new fluid.
Check vacuum home connection from intake to power booster. (Make sure it's connected on both ends and in good condition)
Check your wheel cylinders/calipers for damage or leaks.
Check your pads/shoes for wear (note any inconsistent or odd wear for later).
Check the brake mechanisms for anything out of place (damage, cracks, missing parts/bolts/pieces etc.)
Clean your rotors and drums with some form of brake cleaner (NOT 409 or other household cleaners).
If you do all of that and don't find anything, the problem is in your mind
But if you do get there, bleed the system twice. Bad brakes and nothing damaged means air in the system.

 

[mht95ranger]

My 95 did the same thing and it turned out to need pads.. The caliper pistons were so far out and the caliper slide pins were frozen.

 

[5.0gray90']

just replaced the back shoes, a wheel cylinder in the back, and front pads. then bled the system. seems to stop better, but i can still push the pedal to the floor. it stops alot better. i can only push it to the floor when the engine is running tho, not when it is shut off.

 

[BeefStew42791]

The ONLY way this can happen is with a slight leak or with air in the lines somewhere. I would recommend you
(1) take a nice, objective, critical, long look of EVERYTHING in your system. Look for some discoloration that makes the part look wet and there's your area (obviously if you just washed it this isn't the wet I'm talking about).
(2) If you determine there is in fact not a leak in the system, then bleed it bleed it and bleed it. Start from the back passenger side wheel, then to the driver's side rear wheel, then to the passenger side front wheel, and finally the driver's side rear wheel. If this doesn't fix the problem, see step 1.

 

[289-tiger-]

Check to make sure the bleeder screw is above the brake hose upon installation of calipers (L vs.R), it will help the air out of the system when the brakes are bled.

Good luck

 

[Ranger44]

Just for shits and giggles....with the truck off pump the pedal till it's stiff. Hold your foot on the pedal and start the truck. Does the pedal drop?

Any fluid behind the master cylinder? Unbolt it and pull it back a little. See if the seal is blown.

Other than that make sure the line by the gas tank doesn't have a pin hole in it. They like to corrode back there.

Also when bleeding the system use brand new fluid and let it gravity bleed till it's clean. Brake fluid is highly hydroscopic. It will pull moisture from the atmosphere if left open or unsealed. Moisture is bad in a brake fluid system cause when it heats up it turns to air.

Other than than that...make sure the pins aren't frozen in the caliper bracket and that the hoses aren't bulging when the brakes are applied.

 

[289-tiger-]

It really sounds like he has the calipers reversed.