Archived Brakes on 2003 3500

[VolsFan]

Hi, just did a lot of work on my dad's 03 3500. Has 300k+ on it and just replaced original rotors and calipers. Brake fluid was original too. Did tie rods ball joints whole nine yards, but I cannot get the brake pedal to stiffen. Have installed a lot of calipers and haven't had this happen in a long time; when I was a lot younger. Just did the front calipers not rears yet. The brake fluid was about black that was in it, flushed all out I could bled til clear, still no go. How do I diagnose a failing master cylinder? Brake hoses? If it were mine I would definitely swap hoses at the least, stressful doing something for somebody who doesn't want to spend any money on maintenance! I just want to get this thing running and out of my shop! Thanks for any info

 

[JR]

Did it have a soft pedal before? If the MC was run dry you likely have to bleed the rears also. If the fluid is that nasty it absolutely needs done anyway.
Not sure if it's even possible on the AAM axles but I have seen vehicles where it is possible to mount the caliper on either side of the vehicle. What that does is put the bleeder at the bottom of the caliper and you will never get the air bled out like that.

 

[VolsFan]

JR, many thanks! Where do I go to put myself in for biggest dunce of the year award? Sure enough calipers were backwards....... My goodness how embarrassing! atleast there were no component failures, just a couple screws loose upstairs I guess. I started on this thing at 4 am when found out what I did, least it's done!one positive thing I can say is atleast the system is thoroughly flushed.guess I'll be doing them again at 600k maybe I'll get it right that time

 

[DThibault]

I did the same thing a couple of years ago, I put new calipers on the front, spent three days pulling the rest of my hair out and finally took it to my dealer. I know the mechanic and it cost me quite a few beers to convince him to keep it under his hat.

 

[JR]

It happens to the best!

Glad it was a simple fix.