1989 F-250 4WD. The brakes got real spongy coming out of the mountains, and the front brakes started smoking(because they were handling all the load)

I tried to bleed the air out of the brakes, since the brake shoes, drums, and wheel cylinders were just replaced last year. After pushing almost a gallon of brake fluid through the rear brakes with no luck, I took the truck to the local repair shop. The problem turned out to be the master cylinder, which was replaced. There was no air in the front brakes. I guess the master cylinder was generating air.

The mechanic said there was enough air in the lines to fill a small air compressor. The brakes are MUCH better now. He also replaced a rear axle seal, which was leaking.

That's odd...glad you got it fixed though.

Check the RABS right behind the preportion valve next time. Most people miss the bleeder there, and without bleeding there first, the rear brakes won't bleed

DNFXDLI said:

That's odd...glad you got it fixed though.

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Yes, it is.

dustybumpers said:

Check the RABS right behind the preportion valve next time. Most people miss the bleeder there, and without bleeding there first, the rear brakes won't bleed

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Thank you, Charlie. I was reading about the RABS system after I got the truck back home.

Not a good feeling when your brakes are acting up. x2 to what Duncan said.

Had a van in the fleet where I used to work have the same thing happen.

fatherdoug said:

Yes, it is.



Thank you, Charlie. I was reading about the RABS system after I got the truck back home.

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Let me know if you need a picture, so you can find it.

Thank you, Charlie, I found it. I just need somebody to snake their hand up in there.