Soft brakes after bleeding - ABS disconnected for years

[Toran]

Hello Good People,

Just checking in, looking for some additional insight as to why my brakes are so damn soft. I replaced a brake line and followed up with using the Motive Power Bleeder. I did this a few times, and still the same soft pedal.

The ABS was disconnected in 2016 when I got the truck because I had read some horror stories about it acting up. Well, I nearly had a horror story to add! I disconnected the ABS and never looked back.

Before changing the brake line the braking system was never the best but it did stop the truck without any issue. I understand these rigs are not going to throw you through the windshield like on the newer Audi when you barely touch the brakes etc. Just checking in to troubleshoot if I am missing something.

Might the brakes firm up with more driving?

Thanks

 

[ERover82]

I'd check that the booster holds vacuum and that there are no leaks at the master.

 

[Toran]

Hey ERover82,

Thanks for the response!
When I had the Motive Bleeder connected to the master it held the same 15lb for an hour.

 

[ERover82]

Hey ERover82,

Thanks for the response!
When I had the Motive Bleeder connected to the master it held the same 15lb for an hour.

Did you bleed all four corners? I've seen leaking boosters and stuck proportioning valves also cause issues.

 

[Toran]

Yes, bleed four corners starting with the passenger rear; driver rear; passenger front; driver front.

What is the method for monitoring the booster?

 

[ERover82]

The simple method is to suck on the hose to the booster and block it off. It should hold a vacuum. If not it wont assist properly.

 

[Toran]

Thanks for the tip, I will have to give that a try.

 

[kris812]

Your pedal should also change if you hold the pedal and start the vehicle. If it does not, bad booster..

I put a new booster on, and can nearly toss ppl and cargo to the front seats and lock up my fat 265mm tires at 30mph.

ABS still all there and working, only bleeding I have EVER done on this is the 2 person UP/DOWN call out method. With MANY MANY leaks, full dumps, master swaps and issues over the years.

 

[Toran]

Hey kris812,

Thanks for also chiming in on the matter.
I think the booster is in good condition. As an old school habit my foot is usually on the brake pedal before starting. As soon as the truck starts the pedal is no longer stiff.

My little help is out of town so looks like I will be doing the solo method of:
Slowly pressing the brakes while holding it down with a heavy dumbbell, crawling under the truck to bleed the four corners. Open bleeder; closer bleeder; slowly press brakes and hold with heavy dumbbell; crawl under truck and repeat the process.

At this point the Motive Power Bleeder has been mostly useless for this truck.

 

[Greg_M]

My little help is out of town so looks like I will be doing the solo method of:
Slowly pressing the brakes while holding it down with a heavy dumbbell, crawling under the truck to bleed the four corners. Open bleeder; closer bleeder; slowly press brakes and hold with heavy dumbbell; crawl under truck and repeat the process.

Put a piece of clear tubing over the bleeder with the other end in a glass jar. Push the pedal down slowly, hold a bit, let it up slowly. Repeat 4 or five times. Go look at the tubing. Shine a flashlight at it. Bubbles? Repeat. No? Close the bleeder.

 

[Toran]

Put a piece of clear tubing over the bleeder with the other end in a glass jar. Push the pedal down slowly, hold a bit, let it up slowly. Repeat 4 or five times. Go look at the tubing. Shine a flashlight at it. Bubbles? Repeat. No? Close the bleeder.

Hey Greg_M,

Thanks for the feedback.
I have been using a piece of clear tubing connected to a small bottle containing brake fluid.
So your saying:
1. Place clear tubing over bleeder, with the other end in a glass of brake fluid.
2. Crack open the bleeder screw.
3. Inside Truck - Slowly push the brake pedal down, hold it a bit.
4. Still Inside Truck - Let off the pedal slowly and repeat Step 3 a few more times.
5. Look at tubing, if bubbles than repeat, no bubbles than close bleeder.

Just want to make sure I get the order correct. Usually once I start cursing and swearing I could miss a step.

Thanks

 

[Greg_M]

Hey Greg_M,

Thanks for the feedback.
I have been using a piece of clear tubing connected to a small bottle containing brake fluid.
So your saying:
1. Place clear tubing over bleeder, with the other end in a glass of brake fluid.
2. Crack open the bleeder screw.
3. Inside Truck - Slowly push the brake pedal down, hold it a bit.
4. Still Inside Truck - Let off the pedal slowly and repeat Step 3 a few more times.
5. Look at tubing, if bubbles than repeat, no bubbles than close bleeder.

Just want to make sure I get the order correct. Usually once I start cursing and swearing I could miss a step.

Thanks

Yes, that's it. Use a flashlight and take your time looking for bubbles. They can be tiny. And keep the MC topped obviously.

 

[Toran]

At this point would the Motive Bleeder be of any value to keep the MC topped, or would this be an issue with trapping air?

 

[Greg_M]

I should have mentioned you're looking for the bubbles in the tubing adjacent the bleeder.
Re the Motive Bleeder. Never heard of it but virtually any simple task can be made more expensive and complicated.

 

[Toran]

No doubt