95 4.9 e4od 133,000 miles.

Calipers, pads and flex hoses (Rock auto) less than a year ago. New brake fluid, all 4 corners bled. Front end up on jack stands. Wheels off. Hubs (rotors) don't spin freely. Removed calipers. Guide pins with the rubber boots move back and forth freely, bolts not rusted or corroded and lubed. Clean and lubed where pads are set in the anti-rattle clips.

With calipers off both front wheels turn freely. Calipers on= a lot of drag.

When I cracked the bleeders open it did not free things up, still a lot of drag, both front wheels. I pushed the pistons back in the calipers with a c-clamp, remounted the calipers and both spun freely. Then applied the brakes, let off then checked for drag. The drag was back.

I'm thinking it's a bad master cylinder. Sound right to you guys?

 

I would think the master cylinder also.

 

If it is the master cylinder not allowing the front brakes to completely release wouldn't the rears be dragging too?

Haven't checked yet but will soon. Just wanted to hear what you all think.

 

First I would have to ask what makes you think you have excessive drag?

Usually when you apply the brakes on a disc brake setup you will have some drag for a while. If opening the bleeders doesn't relieve the drag, I doubt if your master cylinder is at fault.

If you do have excess drag things would likely get mighty hot up there. Keep us posted.

 

I don't think, I know. Started looking around after my last fill-up. My perfectly tuned old beater, that always gets 18 around town, showed 11 mpg.

I know there is some drag but this is excessive. I'm not new at this. Although I am not sure why they didn't release when the bleeders were cracked open.

Will order a master and wheel bearings since I'm in there. I'll report back. Thanks for the replies.

 

Did you ever find/fix the issue? Having a similar problem and looking for possibilities. Getting 9mpg around town in my new to me 2007 F150 5.4L w/60K miles on it. Was from Maine and appears to have a bit of rust issues in under carriage. Thinking it may be affecting free movement of calipers or possibly brake hoses need replacing. Too old to do my own work anymore, but want to go in informed as I don't have a known mechanic and not so sure I can trust, much less afford, dealer service.