justin murphy

2003 Ford Ranger Tremor....3.0 Flex...2WD...110K miles.....

I had a complete brake job done 5 months ago with all new pads/shoes, everything turned. Calipers NOT sticking. They are only a year old.

Here's what's going on now.......
Excessive brake dust on the left FRONT.
If I hit my brakes hard, the right REAR wheel will lock up first. It will do this 2-3 times and then stop.
Pedals weird. Not mushy all the time but when braking sometimes, it will all of sudden move an inch.......like air.....but there's not. Been bled 2 times in the last 6 months.

Could it be a bad master cylinder? I read that each piston does a left to right and the other does right to left when braking.


Any ideas, comments, or help please!

justin murphy

I also notice it feels like a I lose power then comes back. Like something is sticking. This is all speeds and at different times.

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2003 Ford Ranger "Tremor"
2WD....Ext Cab...110k miles....3.0 FLEX

ivebeenprobed

I would pull right rear and make sure all the springs are in place and rear brakes are adjusted correct

justin murphy

I did that. Adjusted till the wheel spun one revolution while jacked up.

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2003 Ford Ranger "Tremor"
2WD....Ext Cab...110k miles....3.0 FLEX

CatSkinner

Were the guides lubed?

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Prius repellant, just add gas.

R.S.LOGAN

Run it on a brake tester / rolling road and check all brake balance readings .Talk nice to your local garage when they are quiet and they might oblige you .

justin murphy

Was trying to not take it to a shop.
They are all horrible here and charge so much. Every time you have to come back too.
Anything I can do myself I try to.
I did a radiator and water pump swap on it two months ago. Pretty decent at this stuff once diagnosed.

Just need to to know some steps.

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2003 Ford Ranger "Tremor"
2WD....Ext Cab...110k miles....3.0 FLEX

R.S.LOGAN

Check that both sides of wheel cyls on each of the rear brakes are operating o.k and that none of the pistons are seized . You can check by taking of drums , one at a time and jamming a couple of levers / plain screw drivers between the shoes and lip of backplate .Get someone to GENTLY push brake pedal whilst you hold shoes and see if both w/cyl pistons operate .Also check h/brake (emergency brake ) cable and linkage inside shoes is not sticking and holding shoes on , affecting adjustment . Excessive brake dust , usually indicates pads sticking and not sliding freely . As suggested ,make sure it not just a case of guides etc. just needing lubed up with copper grease or similar .Hope this helps you avoiding putting car into shop .

R.S.LOGAN

Forgot about " power loss " First thing I would check would be the plugs and leads / wires , possibly breaking down under load .Might be worthwhile replacing fuel filter also if that doesn't cure your power loss.

ivebeenprobed

Did you inspect rear brakes to make sure shoes are installed correct (big shoe,little shoe) Did you replace drums or have them turned? If turned, may have machined to much or drum out of round. You could have hot spots or something got on them. With car off have someone push brakes and listen for any noises