Bullnose Enthusiasts Forum

Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

Classic

List

Threaded

13 messages Options

mp470

Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

Hi all,

Big red is coming out for the spring and i have no brakes. The larger part of the reservoir was empty for some reason and I have replenished it. Did not see any leaks at the master cylinder though. The pedal goes to the floor only when the vehicle is running but pumps up fine when off. I did a stupid thing and left the e-brake on all winter so the light is on but I don't think it's related. Please and thanks for any suggestions.

1985 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0 EFI, RWD, 8.8 Axle

Gary Lewis

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

Administrator

You might want to read this post, or the whole thread for that matter.

As for the e-brake, sometimes that moves the shoes out so far it lets the pistons get into a rusted area of the brake cylinder, and causes leaks to start.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

mp470

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

Thanks. I suspect the master cylinder seals went from the extreme cold of our winters (-40C at times) and it's leaking internally as I didn't see any leaks at the wheels either.

1985 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0 EFI, RWD, 8.8 Axle

Gary Lewis

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

Administrator

That might do it. I think I'd lose my seals at that temp.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

mp470

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

New cylinder did it, leaked out internally and through the rear. When bleeding the two rear brakes, couldn't get much to come out though. It wasn't a dribble but not the powerful flow I'd expect with as much vacuum as was applied. Tried with a vacuum pump to 20-25 psi and the manual method. Couldn't do the fronts as they face forward for some reason and had no way to get wheels off out there. Nonetheless, the pedal is good enough for the road now.

1985 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0 EFI, RWD, 8.8 Axle

Gary Lewis

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

Administrator

Did you bleed the master itself? See Page 12 here: Driveline/Brakes and on the Factory Shop Manual tab and then the General Brake Service tab. (That's a new section, so you didn't miss it.)

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

mp470

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

I sure did, on the bench before installing. Wish I could've tried the fronts to compare.

1985 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0 EFI, RWD, 8.8 Axle

Gary Lewis

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

Administrator

Ok. Might the fronts be swapped side-for-side?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

mp470

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

Never crossed my mind, are the bleeders supposed to face the rear?

1985 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0 EFI, RWD, 8.8 Axle

Gary Lewis

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

Administrator

I'll check the shop manual tomorrow to see if it says which way they should point.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Frank Wyatt

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

In reply to this post by mp470

The bleeders on my front brake calipers face forward, and they can't be swapped from one side to the next. If they were your bleeders would be on the bottom and would make bleeding out any air in the system impossible.

1981 F 150 Custom 300 ci with a fully rebuilt 1968 240 head Carter YFA T-18 3.25 9" rear 2WD
dual gas tanks
1990 Lincoln Town Car 5.0 AOD
Home town Mc Kenzie, TN

Gary Lewis

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

Administrator

Good to know. Thanks.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Frank Wyatt

Re: Spongy brake pedal after winter storage

It's been done before at least on a Dodge that I saw on You Tube, and they mixed up all 4 calipers.

1981 F 150 Custom 300 ci with a fully rebuilt 1968 240 head Carter YFA T-18 3.25 9" rear 2WD
dual gas tanks
1990 Lincoln Town Car 5.0 AOD
Home town Mc Kenzie, TN