After replacing the brakes, booster, wheel cylinders and Master cylinder the brake pedal goes to the floor and will not come back up

Tiny
TRINCRAB
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 DODGE TRUCK
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I’ve recently changed the the brake booster on my truck listed above (w250) as well as the calipers and wheel cylinders and master cylinder. I have bled the lines while off and it’s fine but as soon as I start the truck to bleed them, the pedal is pulled to the floor and won’t come back. Any ideas on how to fix it?
Saturday, October 31st, 2020 AT 8:10 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,289 POSTS
Hi,

I know there is a pressure hold off valve that could be causing the issue. It does require pressure bleeding. Do me a favor. Take a look through these directions and let me know if it is something you can try. Also, let me know how you have been bleeding them to this point and if there is pressure when you open the bleeder.

The attached pic correlates with these directions.

1991 Dodge or Ram Truck W 250 Pickup V8-360 5.9L VIN 5
Pressure Bleeding (Preferred Procedure)
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Hydraulic System Brake Bleeding Service and Repair Procedures Pressure Bleeding (Preferred Procedure)
PRESSURE BLEEDING (PREFERRED PROCEDURE)
Fig 2 Extending Valve Stem

See pic 1

NOTE: All vehicles are equipped with a pressure hold-off valve. The valve is located (in the combination valve) on the left frame rail. The hold off valve balances front and rear braking force to improve braking and steering control on icy surfaces. The valve shuts off the flow of brake fluid between 3 and 135 PSI. Because the valve shuts off flow in this pressure range the valve must be held open manually -- using tool C-4121 or equivalent -- when pressure bleeding the system.

CAUTION: Under no circumstances should a rigid clamp, wedge or block be used to depress the valve stem. This could cause an internal valve failure resulting in complete loss of front brakes.

1. Clean all dirt and foreign material from the cover of the master cylinder to prevent dirt from falling into the master cylinder reservoir when the cover is removed.
2. Install metering valve hands off tool, part No. C-4121 to valve stem of metering valve.

NOTE: Complete bleeding of dual master cylinder is important before performing this procedure!

3. Starting with RWAL hydraulic valve, clean all dirt from the bleeder valve.
4. Place bleeder hose on the bleeder valve and insert the other end of the bleeder hose into a clear jar half filled with clean brake fluid. This will permit the observation of air bubbles as they are being expelled from the hydraulic system and also prevent air from being drawn back into the system.
4. Continue this bleeding with:
a. The left rear wheel.
B. Next, bleed the right front.
C. Finish with the left front wheel.
6. Repeat this bleeding procedure if there is any indication of air remaining in the hydraulic system:
- Spongy brake pedal
- Warning light ON

CAUTION: The pressure release valve is in its innermost position when there is no pressure present. No attempt should be made to further depress the valve stem.

NOTE: If diagnosis determines that master cylinder alone is cause of trouble, it can be replaced without bleeding the hydraulic system provided the replacement cylinder is completely bled before installation. After brake tubes are connected have helper apply force to pedal while both tube nuts are cracked to release any air and then retightened.

____________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. Also, let me know if the original master cylinder was doing the same thing.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, October 31st, 2020 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
TRINCRAB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I do not believe it has a hydraulic system for the brakes at all. If it helps, you had all the info right except it’s vin Z. Any other ideas you may have? It did this when we replaced the booster, before we replaced the master cylinder. We decided to chance the master cylinder because it was doing this pedal thing and it still does it with the new one. We have no leaks and the brake fluid runs clear when we bleed it while off.
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Sunday, November 1st, 2020 AT 6:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,289 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not sure why the vin is different, but something isn't adding up. The Z engine code is for a 360 CI V8. Is that what you have? Is it a gas engine? Does it have rear ABS?

If you are getting a pedal when the engine is off and it goes to the floor when started, I suspect it is an air issue in the system. This does have a vacuum controlled assist brake booster, correct? Some actually had the hydro-boost.

Let me know exactly how you are bleeding the system. Also, I reread your original post. Why are you starting the vehicle to bleed the brakes? If the pedal goes to the floor, either we have a bad master cylinder, a leak, or air in the line. There really isn't anything other.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, November 1st, 2020 AT 6:32 PM

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