2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 01 Front Brake trouble

[DThibault]

I recently did a brake job on the front end of the 01. I replaced the rotors and the calipers and pads and with the help of a friend bled everything all out including the rear set. When I fired up to test I had no front brakes at all, (they would lock up under hand pressure when we were bleeding them), and the rear brakes were marginal, (need fixing too). The pedal is very weird, not spongy but like there is no assist. This is not my first time around the block, I have done many brakes jobs on other trucks and replaced pads on this one but I am not familiar with hydraulic assist brakes, only vacuum. ANy ideas. I have thought of a few things, maybe I pushed the plunger into a virgin zone in the master cylinder? I have power steering so there is pressure available. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[burndog]

Take a look at the pads if the calipers came with them. Match them compared to your old ones. I have seen wrong year pads not match the calpiers they are put in. Also see if the small metal tabs on the back of the pads do not hit the face of the caliper piston. I have had to grind one or more of the tabs off the back of the pads so they sit flat. Make sure the sliding pins for the caliper are not frozen.

I don't think you have a master cylinder problem. My guess is its the pads cocked in the calipers. It seemed like the brakes were working when you were bleeding them. But once you start the truck the assist jammed the pads. Just a guess.