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Avery
Novice
Aug 9, 2012, 5:08 PM
Post #1 of 14
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I have a 96 Ford Explorer 4x4 w/ a 4.0 and the brake pedal fades to the floor if I let up on the pedal. Somebody told me to check the RABS module by pulling out a spring from behind a bung, then put the bung back in and see if it still fades. Not sure what they mean... I know where the RABS module is but not the bung. (or if this will even work)
Thanks
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 9, 2012, 5:40 PM
Post #2 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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Havent heard of the RABS spring deal.
The brake pedal fades to the floor when your pressing down on the brake pedal? How is the fluid level in the master? If the fluid level is good, you might have a piston seal leak in the master cylinder. You should also inspect the braking system on all 4 wheels to be sure they are in working order.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 9, 2012, 5:43 PM)
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Avery
Novice
Aug 9, 2012, 5:49 PM
Post #3 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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Fluid level is full and I've been under the vehicle looking for leaks, can't see any. Thought about the master cyl. but wanted to ask first about the ABS and if it could be that. If I hold down hard on the pedal it doesn't seem to fade, only as I start to let it up. Like going down a hill... push... let up just a bit... push... let up just a bit. Soon it's to the floor.
Thanks for your help !!
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 9, 2012, 6:22 PM
Post #4 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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Don't think a RABS modulator would cause something like that. Beside, doesn't yours have 4 wheel antilock brakes? I'd be more inclined to believe it would be a problem with the master cylinder or a seized caliper guide pin. If you try the master cylinder route, probably wouldn't be a bad idea to flush the brake system and inspect the rest of the components.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 9, 2012, 6:24 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 9, 2012, 6:55 PM
Post #5 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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If you're getting bypassing and not losing any fluid it can basically happen in 2 places. It can happen internally in the master cylinder or internally in the ABS hydraulic unit. I have resolved a couple of them by taking it onto a dirt road and slamming on the brakes so the ABS kicks in real good. When the bypass solenoids open internally it will sometimes flush out some trapped dirt particles.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Avery
Novice
Aug 9, 2012, 7:06 PM
Post #6 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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I'll look into the MC a little better... is there a way to tie the lines together or disconnect them and plug them and then pump the pedal and see if it by-passes
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Avery
Novice
Aug 9, 2012, 7:07 PM
Post #7 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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I live on a dirt road... gotta try everything...
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 9, 2012, 7:18 PM
Post #8 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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You would have to make some type of flare end plug to plug off the master to test it. That's a little tricky.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Avery
Novice
Aug 9, 2012, 8:28 PM
Post #9 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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tried the 'slamming on the brakes' on the dirt road... stops real good but if I play w/ the pedal it still slowly will go to the floor if I pump it. Thinking I'm gonna be changing the master cyl here soon (just happy I have a 2nd car)
I really do appreciate the help... I'll let you know if that works
Thanks
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 10, 2012, 3:57 AM
Post #10 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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Just curious - will this brake pedal fade if just sitting still, engine off without even a key in the thing? If so that is pretty damning for a bad master cylinder,
T
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Avery
Novice
Aug 11, 2012, 12:03 PM
Post #11 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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Tom... no, it doesn't fade when the engine isn't running.
Trying to buy a MC today and they are asking about whether it's got a Proportioning Valve... how the heck do I tell that. It's got Cruise Control, that ones easy
thanks
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 11, 2012, 12:27 PM
Post #12 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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Didn't see that question for this. Did see cruise control or not. Adaptor came with a NEW one for ABS and mentioned if failure that I take as a blowout of fluid somewhere requires centering a pressure differential valve which sounds a lot like a proportioning valve to me elsewhere not in or on master cylinder itself.
That dang site I use can be all wet (as in wrong) too so take with a grain of salt,
T
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Avery
Novice
Aug 11, 2012, 2:30 PM
Post #13 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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I found a part number using my VIN... BRMC 41. (???) Doesn't sound like a Ford part number but when I plugged it into the Motorcraft site it came up a new MC. Now if I can cross reference it to other manufactures. I like Motorcraft but dang $$$$$$
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 11, 2012, 3:15 PM
Post #14 of 14
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Re: brake pedal fade
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You should get a NEW master cylinder. Near certain rebuilt ones are no longer available for sale here (MA) nor other assorted brake parts. My quick look showed this wasn't expensive for a whole new one with tank and a bleeder kit.
Search the web to your hearts content but when you want to buy unless in the boonies somewhere just call your favorite local parts store and ask and you can find if in stock and who made it hopefully right away,
T
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