The brake pedal will depress all on its own

Hi,

It seems like you're experiencing an unusual issue with your 1997 Ford Ranger. While I can't diagnose the problem definitively, I can offer some possible explanations for the symptoms you described.

Brake booster vacuum leak: The brake booster is responsible for increasing the force applied to the brakes when you press the pedal. If there's a vacuum leak in the brake booster, it can cause unintended brake engagement when you depress the clutch. This could explain the brake pedal depressing on its own. The clicking sound you hear afterward could be related to the brake booster trying to compensate for the vacuum leak.

Clutch linkage or pedal issue: There may be a problem with the clutch linkage or pedal mechanism that is somehow affecting the brake pedal. It's possible that the clutch action is putting pressure on a component shared with the brake pedal, causing it to depress slightly. The clicking sound could be the result of the pedal returning to its original position.

Chances are the bushings are bad. The clutch pedal and brake pedal are attached to the same shaft.

What I suggest is to take it apart, inspect the bushings, and replace if needed. Here are the directions. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the clutch master cylinder push rod by prying the retainer bushing and push rod off pedal pin.
2. Remove left side plastic cowl side panel.
3. Remove bolts securing parking brake mechanism. Swing mechanism out of the way.
4. Remove the retainer ring.
5. Remove the clutch pedal from pedal support bracket.

NOTE: When the clutch pedal shaft is removed from the bracket, the brake pedal, brake and clutch pedal bushings and spring washer become accessible.

INSTALLATION
1. Install clutch pedal shaft through clutch and brake pedal support, brake and clutch pedal bushings, brake pedal and washers (as shown).

NOTE: Before installation of the clutch pedal shaft or clutch pedal, remove and inspect the brake and clutch pedal bushings, clean and lubricate with a light film of SAE 30 engine oil or equivalent and replace the brake and clutch pedal bushings if excessive wear is evident.

2. Install retainer ring.
3. Install clutch master cylinder push rod to pedal pin.
4. Secure parking brake mechanism.
5. Attach left side plastic kick panel.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.