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umhau
New User
Nov 18, 2011, 7:10 AM
Post #1 of 3
(1738 views)
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why di the brakes fail?
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I was driving my Ford E350 van (120,000 miles) yesterday when the brakes gave out. I had it towed to the shop. The shop found nothing wrong after a test drive; they suggest replacing the master cylinder, but they cannot guarantee this will fix the problem. I am worried because it might be something else that is wrong!
The Ford van had been driven for 25 minutes, the brakes working without any problem. Driving slowly ( about 10mph) down a narrow suburban lane, I braked as I approached the stop sign. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor with no response, three times. Simultaneously, there was a loud grinding noise. I was able to turn and stop at the curb and did not drive any longer. The emergency brake was not employed during the driving time.
Please advise me. I do not want to find out the hard way that there is some other cause for the break failure!
THANKS!
John
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 18, 2011, 7:54 AM
Post #2 of 3
(1730 views)
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Re: why di the brakes fail?
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Grinding noise with this? That alone suggests either brakes worn beyond the limit or a lining fell off - common on cheap pads.
Is master cylinder low? If a tech looked at it I would think they would check each brake, all brake lines, fluid level first.
Master cylinders can fail without leaking but inconsistent with grinding noise?
My bet is a brake lining (disc) plain fell off and piston too far extended out. If that the metal backing plate alone would take several pumps to make contact with the rotor and sound like hell with possible caliper damage and definite rotor damage if so. How long since they have been replaced? What model year?
T
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 18, 2011, 6:17 PM
Post #3 of 3
(1713 views)
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Re: why di the brakes fail?
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Which year? Does this have hydroboost?
I agree with Tom. If they inspect the brakes on all four wheel and they check good, you should have the master replaced. Even if you were to have a lining problem or caliper hanging, you should still replace the master if you have an intermittent brake pedal going to the floor.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Nov 18, 2011, 6:19 PM)
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