Hard brake pedal

DFLINKMAN

MEMBER
1997 FORD F-350

I have the old style 1997 F 350 Crew cab diesel.
The other day I had a really hard brake pedal and trouble stopping. I noticed that my brake fluid was very low, so I added Valvoliene brake fluid with the truck off. The pedal is still very hard to push (like the old drum brake cars) and I found that I had a brake fuse under the dash blown for the ABS. I replace the fuse filled the fluid and no change in pedal. The truck does stop but I have to stand on the pedal. The parking brake light on the dash has been coming on when I am at a light with the brakes on and slowly turns off when I drive. The light has 2 smaller lights on under it I don't recall ever seeing them all on together. Long winded yes... But looking for answers. Thanks

1 Reply

JOSH03707

MEMBER
1 POST

This exact thing happened to me as well with my '96. I am 99% sure that it is your vacuum pump. The vacuum pump supplies the needed vacuum to your brake booster, and when it goes out, your brakes are being solely applied by the pressure of your foot. A new vacuum pump is not to hard to install, you just have to remove the serpintine belt and unbolt it. They run around 100 dollars I beleive. Hope this helps!