'03 Brake question

[deaner70]

I bought an '03 in late January from the original owner. Truck has 90k on it and has been maintained pretty well. The only real issue I seem to be having is not real good brakes. All rotors and pads look good but it just does not seem to stop the way it should. If I have my dump or goose hooked to it and backing around the barn bank, it is all I can do to hold it even if I bump it into neutral. It acts like my old Powerstroke did when the vac booster was bad. Also, I will sometimes feel a "pulsing" in the wheel when I first take off with it and am turning at a low speed. Not sure if it is related or not.

Thanks in advance

 

[jhenderson]

Double post.

 

[jhenderson]

Assuming its 4x4 pulsing when you turn is most likely a bad axle joint. The brakes may be glazed. Turn or replace the rotors and sand or replace the pads. If you replace parts don't cheap out on the pads. Buy ones designed for towing, from a reputable mfg.

 

[Kry226]

OEM pads (NOT ValueLine) should be all you need. Might also look at the condition of the brake fluid as there's a good chance that the PO never changed it, and that could easily contribute to your brake symptoms. My truck has awesome brakes and I've only changed the front pads once (without turning the rotors) and I replace brake fluid every two years. Actually, I'm about due for another fluid change.

 

[deaner70]

All the ujoints were replaced by PO at around 85K. Is there any problems with slide freezing up or vac pump causing? I have a real "hard pedal" so to speak

 

[jhenderson]

Time plays havoc with drivelines. An 03 with only 90,000 miles could easily freeze a u joint. You need to jack up the front end and turn the wheels all the way to lock either left or right, then rotate the tire. If a joint is frozen you'll feel it bind upon rotation. Brakes could have frozen slides but usually that means the brakes drag and wear the pads unevenly.

 

[cerberusiam]

Is there any problems with slide freezing up or vac pump causing? I have a real "hard pedal" so to speak

There is no vacuum pump for the brakes, they are run of the hydro-boost system driven by the power steering pump. If you have a hard pedal it is either a problem with the ABS module or the hydro-boost assembly. Either one will do what you describe.

 

[deaner70]

There is no vacuum pump for the brakes, they are run of the hydro-boost system driven by the power steering pump. If you have a hard pedal it is either a problem with the ABS module or the hydro-boost assembly. Either one will do what you describe.

Thats what I have been wondering...either hydro boost/PS pump problem. How do I check the hyro unit? ABS Module?

Thanks

 

[cerberusiam]

There is not much to check on either of them. If the ABS module is showing no codes then it might be the pump or master cylinder. The hydor-boost is worse as there is really no absolute check of the diverter valve for operation. The whole system is susceptible to contamination adn should be flushed every 70k. I would start by flushing the PS and hydro-boost thoroughly to see if that makes a difference.