Front Brake Problems

[ahornacek]

I have a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4. I've repeatedly changed my front pads and rotors time and time again for years. And this time, at one point, I accidentally failed to easily push down the two pistons on one of the calipers. So stupidly, I pushed one all the way down and the other fully extended. At that point it was difficult to push back down. I removed the caliper and was able to remove the piston. Drained out the fluid and then noticed nothing preventing the piston from sliding in. I figure by having the caliper off the break line I'll be able to put both pistons back in evenly. And I did. I put the caliper back on. I refilled the reservoir and was able to finish off the break job. I pump the brakes and I can feel the tension return to the peddle. It feels normal. But once I turn the key the pedal becomes extremely soft and I have to push it all the way to the floor to break. At that point I realized only the rear brakes are catching. Was it wrong to remove the break pistons and re-seat them? What else could be causing the breaks not work when I turn the key and start the car? I tried to bleed the brakes but who ever owned this truck before, striped the bleed valve. I noticed that new calipers aren't too costly and I was thinking it would be easier to replace the calipers. Or, I can just go to a break shop and ask them to bleed the brakes quickly. What would you do? Thanks for your help.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Sounds like you really need to bleed the front brakes to me. From what you've said about the bleeders being stripped, I'm guessing you haven't bled them at all?

 

[ahornacek]

In the past I haven't had to. One of the biggest recommendations I've read was to always just relieve the reservoir and I did that. So everything else with the cylinders was ok to do? I've found some service centers that are open on a Sunday I figure I can take there to take care of that. Brake servicing at Sears for about $15. How does turning the engine over effect the brakes differently going from tension to no tension? Does the ABS make a change to the system?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

With the engine running the vacuum brake booster is working, which means you need to apply less force to make the brakes work.

You removed the caliper from the brake hose, and you took apart the caliper, of course it needs to be bled.

 

[ahornacek]

I understand now. Heading out this morning to get it taken care of right away. Thanks for the information. It's been extremely helpful.