bigbluefan09

06 5.4 4x4 crew here. Been having some brake issues. I know these years trucks the brake pedals always feel a lil mushy compared to 09s and up. Recently I have to pump the pedal for it to feel right. Also when I do the pedal makes a grinding noise like you hit a patch of ice and the anti lock brakes kicks in. Also when I press the pedal down, it doesn't hold it slowly goes to the floor. All brake pads are like new and the fluid is up to the max point. Any help would be great.

G Diablo

What kind of brakes and rotors? When was the last time that u had the brakes flushed or bled?

bigbluefan09

I bought the truck with 76k miles. Brakes look new but I do get a shimmy when getting off the express way. As far as I know they have never been flushed. I've been thinking about upgrading to the powerstop kit.

G Diablo

U should probably remove the wheels and take off the calipers and inspect. Then when u put everything together, bleed them.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

If the brake pedal does not hold when stepped on... you have a leak in your system...the shimmy indicates a warped rotor.. and there is a service interval for replacing the fluid in the brake system.

60DRB

^ yup.

bigbluefan09

Thanks guys. Will be looking into it as soon as I get a chance. Buddy of mine said it could be the abs module possibly bleeding off. I checked and no lights on the dash and no codes pulled up on the scanner. Any idea what the mileage they recommend for the fluid change?

techrep

iTrader: (1)

ABS Modules don't bleed off

GrimaceTimus

If it is in fact the factory original fluid, I wouldn't be surprised if that isn't your entire problem. Dirty, oxidized brake fluid will act almost like air in the lines. I do mine every 2 years or 30K miles. If you do a lot of towing and heavy-braking, I would think it would be prudent to do it every year / 15K miles.

You should also check the width of your rotors. I have heard / read that some F150s have been known to wear down rotors pretty fast (50-70K). That being said, if that was your issue, I wouldn't think it would be apparent until you are down to 40% or less on pad thickness. If the pads are brand new, they'll compensate for a skinny rotor (for a while).

bigbluefan09

Sounds like ill be flushing the brakes and I think I'm gonna buy the powerstop kit. Had them on my mustang and they helped out. Thanks for the help.