mmtta

I Dont know if I have a problem or not. The brakes on my truck just seem to really suck. I need to put a good amount of pressure on the pedal to get it to stop. This is my first full sized truck so I dont know if its normal or not. I realize its very big and heavy so I figured thats the way it is. The brakes are all good. Been through two inspections. Tested the booster and it seems to be working. Just doesnt seem right to me.

Spiky

If the pedal feels soft, you could have air in the lines that you need to bleed out. But presumably that's been checked out. You may just need to alter your braking style for the heavy truck, brake longer not harder.

Meathead

iTrader: (2)

Any information on the truck? Miles, year, etc Also, what was your previous vehicle for comparison?

mmtta

Its a 2003 F150 XLT extended cab. 101,000 miles. Like I said, I never owned a full sized truck. Had 2 or 3 Rangers and a couple of Tacomas. My daily driver is a Z24 Cavalier. I dont know, to me it just seems I need excessive brake pressure to stop it.

Meathead

iTrader: (2)

I would change brake fluid, brake lines, and probably pads too. That should improve braking.

bassJAM

The brake system is designed for the weight and potential towing load of the truck, so it shouldn't take any more force from your right foot to stop than it would if you were driving a civic. If you have to press the pedal hard, or if it's spongy, like other's have said you probably have air in your lines. I typically like to completely change out my brake line fluid every 3-4 years, but with a truck a little older like that some of your brake lines might need replaced as well.

diegoo.jayjay

if you double press does the pressure increase

brantlyj

a stiff pedal would indicate a brake booster going out.

mmtta

The pedal seems normal. Neither soft nor hard. I tested the booster by pumping up the brakes with the truck off, holding the pedal down and started it. The pedal sank a bit. So I am guessing the booster is ok. I will try bleeding all the old fluid out. basJam mentioned brake lines being replaced. I know rubber lines will fail and cause the brakes to "stay engaged" . I see no leaks anywhere. I just dont see the point of replacing them.

RN2013

Every F150 I have ever owned had a soft brake pedal. I have never had a dealership that would find a problem with this.