Very poor breaking. Pushing harder makes little difference

RICKEICHHOLZ

MEMBER
2000 FORD RANGER
4WD
AUTOMATIC
195,000 MILES

When I press on the break peddle two things happen: 1- instead of some give the response is hard, like hitting the floor. 2- very poor breaking. Pushing harder makes little difference. If air in the lines makes the peddle soft what can make it hard?

Friday, December 10th, 2010 AT 5:13 PM

2 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Brake Booster
The power brake booster:

is a dual diaphragm, vacuum assisted power brake booster.
Is located on the LH side of the bulkhead in the engine compartment, between the brake pedal and brake master cylinder.
Is divided into separate chambers by the diaphragm.
Will not operate if vacuum is restricted or if any of the vacuum related power brake components fail.
Is replaced as an assembly.

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Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 AT 10:37 AM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,744 POSTS

Lack of power assist. Check for vacuum at the hose attached to the power booster. Pull the check valve out of the rubber grommet and check there while the engine is running. Do the same check after the engine has been off for a minute. If vacuum is still there, replace the booster. If there's no vacuum stored after the engine is off, try a new check valve first, but suspect the booster.

Caradiodoc

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Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 AT 10:37 AM