07 EL Soft Brake Pedal

[ninjachic]

Hi everyone, been lurking for a while and finally found an issue that no one else seems to be having. I have an 07 EL Eddie Bauer 4x4 that I picked up last year with 100k miles. The brake pedal has always been soft and seems to get better with a quick pump. Thinking there was air in the line, I asked my brother to bleed the lines but no air. Pads and rotors are good so I thought it was the master going bad. Took it to the dealership asking them to replace it and they called me saying it and the booster are fine and this was a common complaint for this truck. I'm somewhat upset that they didn't find anything wrong but happy that they were honest and didn't replace it just to make money.

I learned to drive in a 1987 Econoline van and drove a Titan for 9 years so I'm ok with the feel but it does feel like a run away freight train after driving my husband's Fusion (which will give you whiplash). Has anyone else had this problem? Is there an aftermarket master cylinder that addresses this issue?

Thanks for your input!

 

[01yellerCobra]

When you say mushy do you mean the pedal has a lot of travel before you stop or does it just feel soft? In my experience vacuum assisted brakes always feel a bit soft.

 

[metaldrgn]

Or air in the lines.

Do a brake bleed.

 

[01yellerCobra]

Or air in the lines.

Do a brake bleed.

In the original post bleeding the brakes is mentioned.

Also, you can't compare the stopping power of a car that's probably around 3600lbs to an SUV that's close to 6000lbs. Think the last article I read said 5800lbs. It's just not going to stop on a dime.

 

[metaldrgn]

In the original post bleeding the brakes is mentioned.

Also, you can't compare the stopping power of a car that's probably around 3600lbs to an SUV that's close to 6000lbs. Think the last article I read said 5800lbs. It's just not going to stop on a dime.

Thanks I missed that. Perhaps they didn't do it correctly. Or maybe it is just that way. If a caliper hasn't been changed or the brake lines opened in any way it's probably not air in the system and that's just how it is. If you hold the brake does it slowly keep creeping towards the floor?

 

[ninjachic]

Brakes bled already and no air.

I understand it will be soft and not stop as quickly as a car but I don't understand why it is firm after a quick pump. If I hold the pedal it is firm and does not creep toward the floor. The mechanic at the dealership said he has the same truck and mine felt the same as his and a lot of customers complain about it. Just wondering if anyone else here had the same issue.

 

[GaryH2]

I also noticed this problem. Others have noticed it as well.

I replaced the rear rotors and pads with Centric black hat rotors and Hawk LTS pads. I didn't replace the fronts yet because I just had new FoMoCo rotors installed recently to pass PA state inspection.

I found that the upgrades made a difference in pedal feel and perceived stopping distance (if not the actual stopping distance).

I've contemplated whether its a vacuum leak, master cylinder, caliper or other issue but the new pads and rotors helped a lot in my instance. One hypothesis is that the worn rotors are enough to change the pedal feel.

Anyway, new upgraded pads and rotors in the rear made a difference in my experience.

 

[ninjachic]

I also noticed this problem. Others have noticed it as well.

I replaced the rear rotors and pads with Centric black hat rotors and Hawk LTS pads. I didn't replace the fronts yet because I just had new FoMoCo rotors installed recently to pass PA state inspection.

I found that the upgrades made a difference in pedal feel and perceived stopping distance (if not the actual stopping distance).

I've contemplated whether its a vacuum leak, master cylinder, caliper or other issue but the new pads and rotors helped a lot in my instance. One hypothesis is that the worn rotors are enough to change the pedal feel.

Anyway, new upgraded pads and rotors in the rear made a difference in my experience.

I've already purchased new pads and rotors but haven't put them on yet - maybe I'll try that next. Thanks!

 

[mrford60]

in my old 07 expy I had the same problem and new rear rotors helped. if they are warped it will push the piston back in on the calipers and then when you push on the pedal it will feel low. also after putting the pads and rotors on if you can have someone who can do the ABS bleed with a ford scan tool it will also help the pedal feel (even if there is no air in the system it will set the brake bias)