dragging at speed

[flightmedic]

This is a follow up post to one submitted where I fessed up to my stupidity over the truck being partially in 4WD. Well, with that corrected, I have now noticed that the truck will cruise fine at 70mph sometimes and then other times it seems to be straining with a corresponding rise in the temp. (dash guage) and increased pressure/travel on the go-pedal.

I know this is vague and food for irritation for some, but I am just looking for "hey my truck did that and this is what it was. " I am tearing into the brakes this week as it seems the most logcial, since the problem seems to vary in it's intensity (sometimes worse than other times) and that it is worse after driving longer distances. I don't think that a engine related issue would raise the temperature, and it would seem to be more consistent? Any thoughts? Once again, appreciate it.

Any good tips on doing the breaks? I searched the posts and did not find much on removal of the rotors and drums. The rotors at a glance look like they will be a pain to remove?!

Thanks

 

[cerberusiam]

It could be brakes dragging from a bad master cylinder. Have you checked rotors/drums to see if any are hotter than normal? Are they hotter after a long run as opposed to short run? I have had the rears hang and though it was on fire though once I stopped and let things cool off no more problems.



Looking at your mileage if you have not rebuilt the VE yet you could be seeing the start of some problems. It tracks that after a longer run performance will degrade due to clearances changing. How about fuel filter? How often have you changed it? Have you been fueling at different places? The lift pump could be starting to go also and after working a while it just can't deliver enough fuel.



My . 02

 

[flightmedic]

I appreciate it. I have pondered the master cylinder, but more than that, I am considering the brake lines. The last time I drained brake fluid it was a nasty milky white. With the propensity that brake fluids have for picking up water, I am considering replacing the brake lines as I think they may be so crudded up they will not allow return of fluid. We'll see.

The lift pump idea also crossed my mind. It is relatively cheap and easy to replace. If the brake job doesn't solve the problem, I will start here with the fueling issues. I am hoping that one or both of the above is the malady as I do not want to get into a pump rebuild. I am broke right now!!! But man it would be nice to send the pump off to Piers after the wedding and have them work their magic! I do have a vague assurance from my Fiance that I will be able to get my truck in "decent running condition" after the wedding. Depending upon oversight, I could be looking at all the nice upgrades...

 

[flightmedic]

Oh yeah, sorry forgot to add that the fuel filter has less ~6,000 miles on it and my fueling has been consistent in location.

 

[cerberusiam]

The last time I drained brake fluid it was a nasty milky white.

Yuck!! Thats just plain ugly.



The RWAL sitting back there can't be happy with that either. Not sure what would happen as they are twitchy enough with good fluid.



Wedding! Oversight! Thats an understatement. :{



My son and I are still paying for his wedding, and other indiscretions.



Ah well, I get to teach my grandson all kinds of neat things to bug his momma with. Good luck with the truck. There is only one thing worse than truck broke and that is you and truck both broke. Mine is still sitting in the yard waiting on a trans uppgrade. Cheers!