Brakes!
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
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From: Athens, Ga
Brakes!
I’m sure it’s been brought up a thousand times and if someone knows a link or has the answer I’d be much obliged. My searching has been fruitless.
I have a 97 f-150 5.4 2v triton.
My my brake pedal travel sucks. i feel like I’m pushing the pedal halfway to the floor until the brakes engage. Once they are engaged the truck stops with no issues.
I am just wondering if anyone else has encountered this and what the fix might be.
I have a 97 f-150 5.4 2v triton.
My my brake pedal travel sucks. i feel like I’m pushing the pedal halfway to the floor until the brakes engage. Once they are engaged the truck stops with no issues.
I am just wondering if anyone else has encountered this and what the fix might be.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 6,637
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From: Washington
Does the pedal get higher if you pump it? That would be air in the system. Fixed by bleeding.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 9
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From: Athens, Ga
I recently overhauled the front suspension and both front brake pads were still a long way from neeeding replacement and both rotors were replaced. The rear drums were recently serviced as well as both wheel cylinders replaced.
The pedal “travel” has been trash since I bought it. It was worse before the brake service. After the service it was improved but only a little bit.
The pedal “travel” has been trash since I bought it. It was worse before the brake service. After the service it was improved but only a little bit.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 6,637
Likes: 1,292
From: Washington
Could be that you have a problem with your master cylinder or pedal linkage. The calipers fill with fluid and the pads only retract slightly if things are right. They're basically self-adjusting, the calipers slide over to take up pad wear, keeping the pads very close to the rotor.
Eyeball the pads and calipers while somebody presses the pedal. See how much movement is happening. When everything is correct you shouldn't really see anything happening because piston movement is small. You might see something bending or cocked.
Eyeball the pads and calipers while somebody presses the pedal. See how much movement is happening. When everything is correct you shouldn't really see anything happening because piston movement is small. You might see something bending or cocked.
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Joined: Jan 2019
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Bleeding the brakes is simple and cheap. While you are doing it, its is just about as easy to change brake fluid. If you brake fluid isn't almost clear it is full of moisture and needs to be changed.
Pedal travel is engineered into the vehicle to some extent.
Pedal travel is engineered into the vehicle to some extent.
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Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Suffolk VA
Do the watch the caliper while somebody pumps them. As described by BareBonesXL, the caliper slides. On my '99, the pins corroded (boots were torn; you can buy new) and the calipers froze. A complete teardown, drive out the pins and clean, lube, new boot, turned rotors and new pads (piston sides worn out) and the brakes are very good.