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Thread: How to Fix Spongy Brake Pedal Feel

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    ResFirma Mitescere Nescit
    Name: stew

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    How to Fix Spongy Brake Pedal Feel

    For those of us that have spongy Brake Pedal feel...even after new rotors, pads and bleeding of the brake system this may be the cure for you...

    How to fix Spongy Brake Pedal Feel

    1) Remove the two nuts holding the master cylinder to the brake booster; they are 14mm bolts.

    2) Once the nuts are removed, slide the master cylinder straight away from the brake booster. There will be a lot of resistance due to the vacuum build up. You can rock the master cylinder back and forth and you will here the vacuum relieving, once it does you can slide the master straight back.

    3) Locate the rubber o ring and ensure it is still in place. It fits between the master cylinder and the brake booster.

    4) With the master cylinder pulled back (leave all lines and wires attached) just position it out of the way. You will clearly see a 7mm bolt that is threaded into the rod sticking out of the brake booster. The rod has a grooved shaft that you will need to hold with needle nose pliers to keep it from turning while backing out the 7mm bolt.

    5) Back the 7mm bolt out of the rod (counter clockwise) about 1/2 turn or how much you see fit. I tried half turns until I got the brake pedal to where I wanted it. Pic beloe of the cut that you back off on the end of the rod...



    NOTE:It is possible to loosen the bolt too much to the point where your brakes will drag, that’s why it is advisable to go in such small increments. Seems that most are taking between 1-1.5 turns to get it right.

    6) Bolt the master cylinder back in place and you’re done.
    Last edited by bgstew6; 03-25-2007 at 09:02 PM.

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    Just did this today....my brakes were not all that bad to me before...

    I ended up adjusting the 7mm bolt about 1 full turn....definitely a better feel IMO...

    with my brake pedals adjusted about half way off the floor and one full turn to the 7mm bolt...the brakes come on pretty quick and the pedal feel is more firm than it was before...

    Going to leave it right here and drive it for a week and see how things pan out

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    Dude!!! Thats just what I need!!!

    Totally amazing!! Thanks Stew!

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    Stew,

    Hey, I was feeling that spongy feeling and took to a mechanic, they say my Master Cylinder needs to be replaced, that I am getting air into the system. Any thoughts on that?

    Jimmee

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    It is remotely possible. If you can push the pedal down and hold it, then it starts to slowly head to the floor you have a problem.
    A allot of times it can be just old fluid and a few minor things,,
    I would try this.. have you brake system flushed, all new fluid.
    It will make a world of difference, Brake fluid breaks down over time and draws moisture to it's self...

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    Dbl G,

    I will try tomorrow, it's in the shop... but thank you for the reply. I want to trust these guys, but I've seen where they misdiagnose all the time.
    thank you again!!

    j

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    ResFirma Mitescere Nescit
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    yeah, defintlely flush the system with new fluid and see what happens...recommended to flush the system bout every 15k miles maybe more if you road coarse your truck and just beat the hell oout of the brakes....

    I have flushed my system bout every year.....and the fluid was still decent looking each time...

    Since going up in boost and hammerin it even harder LOL I need to flush as soon as I get back from SC....after 8 months it looks like it nromally does after a year.

    If the fluid looks like a tripple shot Capacino with no creme LOL you need to flush it

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    Well after a few months of changing brakes, rotors, fluid, ect. I still have had a soft pedal... UNTIL NOW!!!!!

    I wish I had done this months ago but I just wanted to get the system in check first not knowing where to begin. I love the feel now!!!

    This is a perfect mod/adjustment for everyday driving that you have to do!!!! It is so nice now!!

    The only thing I would add, is to mark the starting possisition on the rod and 7mm bolt together, this is very easy and took me about 10 minutes!! I did the same and went 1 whole turn. You have to try it!!!

    Stew, thank you for the how-to!!

    This is the best thing I have done to my truck in a long time to feel such results, I know it will help alot of you!!
    This is even worthy of the dancing pepper!!LOL Thanks again Stew!...

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    Dbl G, welcome back brother! Glad to see you with us once again...:o)
    Willy
    usflgwav

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    Quote Originally Posted by HOGTRK View Post
    Dbl G, welcome back brother! Glad to see you with us once again...:o)
    Willy
    This is an old post that I resurected... GG ain't back but you can find him at LRodder!!

    And yea I think the "new" avatar is pretty childesh remark from someone!!

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    .
    #2256 built in 3/26/02 - 6# lower, 377HP/483TQ before the Whipple.

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    Excellent tip. Something I need to do.

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    I think Pitstain or one of those guys on NLOC originally wrote that how-to up.

    I'll have to check out your pedal on saturday to see how it feels. may be the finishing touch to my recent brake upgrade

  14. #14
    ResFirma Mitescere Nescit
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    Think it was fade to black on SVTP...

    The adjustment process is found on your (if you happen to have one) FOrd Service CD manual as well.

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    Well you brought it to me, so cheers!!

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