2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake problems

[kevinb83]

Hello I have let the truck sit quite a bit this summer with occasional trips and the last couple trips the brake pedal responds normally then gets soft causing the truck to surge forward then shakes like the ABS is acting up (then the pedal gets stiff again) and the truck finally stops. I just replaced the rotors and put the Hawk pads on the front last summer with no problems all winter etc. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Usually when brake pedal acts normal then goes soft it is the master cylinder.

The FSM states that spongy pedal is most often caused by air in the system or worn out brake line and/or hoses. Try bleeding your brake system and check lines and hoses and replace if you have to. Rubber brake lines are known to collaspe when they get old.

 

[kevinb83]

Thanks I will do that

 

[Road Dog]

Could be the ABS. On my '98 with rear wheel ABS it would release the brakes as I was coming to a stop. Just a dirty connection on the ABS sensor on the rear diff. The speedo falls to zero even though I'm still going 10kph. It was fine at higher speeds.

 

[Johnny5]

I'm not sure about the soft pedal but I experience low speed brake shutter which turned out to be dirty sensor on the front wheels, there is one on each side. What would happen is the brakes get hard/shutter due to the ABS activating when I was coming to a stop, a few times I had to clean my shorts as it happens as I'm slowing/stopping say for a redlight. It seems like I have to clean them every 40k or so. The odd thing the ABS light doesn't when it happens

 

[budnate]

I had similair problems, I sucked the power stearing dry and added a bottle of the Lucas power steering sauce topped it off and ran it... helped big time! I suspected the steering seals and hydro boost... got me back almost perfect drove it for 2 weeks seemed lots better but not perfect then did the master cyl anyway been a week and the pedal is staying up and firm.