2000 Ford Explorer Brakes, Very Low pedal

Tiny
XLS
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Last week I had a front passenger brake hose blow a half mile from home. I limped it home and saw the problem. Purchased a new hose, but it would not seal (after market Chinese made, different from OEM) at the caliper. I returned it and went to other local parts stores and they all sold the same, so went online and purchased one. I had planned to change the brakes soon anyway so I changed the front rotors, pads, calipers and both hoses. Bled the brakes and the pressure was low and pedal was so low car barely stopped. I went to bleed the back brakes, but could not get the bleeder screws to open and snapped one. Running short of time I replaced the back calipers and pads as well. Bled all four wheels, but still the pedal was very low and just barely stopped. Spoke with a mechanic and he suggested I changed the master cylinder as he had seen master cylinders blow after brake hose fail and fluid drains out. So, I changed the master cylinder with one from Advanced. Bench bled the master before putting it on, bled it on the car than bled the brakes again at every wheel. Brake pedal low, but car stops. Tried bleeding the brakes again with the car running and the pedal is soft but stops. What could be the problem/ My brother seems to think the master may be defective? With as much work and money I put into these brakes it should be stopping like new? Any suggestions? Thank You
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 7th, 2014 AT 7:08 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
As far as the new hoses leaking, I have found that it is better to use the original brass washer. The new ones are junk and usually leak.

In what order did you bleed the brakes? Also, are you getting a strong stream of fluid from the bleeder when bleeding them?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-2
Tuesday, October 7th, 2014 AT 8:48 AM
Tiny
XLS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I bled the brakes so many times over the weekend, ran about two quarts of fluid through. The last time bled them I started with the right rear, then left rear, right front then left front. I'm getting a good stream, but would say it is a forceful stream.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 7th, 2014 AT 8:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
It sounds like the MC could be bad, but I doubt it is because it's doing the same thing as the other one. Can you check something, and don't laugh, see if you are able to stop the brake fluid at one of the calipers by placing your finger over the bleeder. If you can, the MC is most likely the issue. If you can't, then that isn't the problem. And by the way, you bled them in the correct order.

One other question, (I ask because I can't remember the 2000 set up) was the push rod that goes into the rear of the MC adjustable?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, October 7th, 2014 AT 4:49 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links