FIX YOUR MUSHY BRAKES

[2Xero21]

Hey everyone, Trevor here. I posted that video for all of us Ranger owners. For those of you wondering how and why or looking for a technical explanation, the best thing I can tell you is that the ABS system has to be primed internally in the pump and module. All this procedure is doing is activating/priming the ABS module/pump and opening all the valves. Even if you did open the bleeder screws and do a proper bleed procedure you would have the same effect with or without opening up the system. It doesn’t seem like there is air in the system but more that it wasn’t fully primed when built. I do not know exactly what the internal pressure inside the ABS module is supposed to be but I know that from the factory they don’t seem to be completely primed like most vehicles. There again I do not have a perfect explanation as to why but I just know this procedure works. I had the same issue with my Mustang and in doing this procedure it fixed the issue in my Mustang as well and that’s been over 10k miles ago and I have not had a single issue or adverse effect on the Mustang or brake system whatsoever. I have about 400-500 miles on my Ranger since doing the procedure and I’ve not had any warning lights or issues whatsoever. I’ve done this procedure on 1 other Ranger and 1 other Mustang and both of those have been successful with no adverse effects either. Hope this helps you guys out.

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[f1loco]

WOW! so glad I saw this. Brakes were one of my top 5 issues with this truck. Mushy and inconsistent. Just ran the procedure with Forscan and like magic the brakes are firmer and more consistent.

Amazon just delivered my OBD Ex

 

[2Xero21]

No, it won’t effect the Pre-collision or any other system in the truck, just make sure to do the ABS module reset afterwards.

 

[2Xero21]

What I can't figure out if this is bc air is still in the ABS modules from factory, by not actually opening hydraulics on the bleed procedure, wouldn't it just push the air into the lines and create additional pressures in the lines? There has to be a mechanical explanation why this seemingly helps with the soft brake issue.

It doesn’t seem to have air trapped in the system, it’s more of a case of the ABS module not having enough internal pressure and this just primes the pump so it builds up more internal pressure therefore causing a firmer pedal. It would be kind of like the pump style BB guns, if you pump it 1-2 times the BB will barely have any pressure when you shoot it but if you pump it 8-10 times it has a lot of pressure. That’s the best example I could come up with at the moment.

 

[Trigganometry]

Curiosity triggered

you rang?

 

[codestp202]

Ran the procedure yesterday, can confirm it improves the brake feel. Cleared the abs faults and everything is great.

 

[troutspinner]

I mentioned in another thread that you can pump your breaks a few times as far to the floor as you can go while stopped. It alleviates the issue for a while. I’d be interested in long term results of the forscan procedure to see if the results are similar to what I mentioned above.

 

[Poe]

Just performed this and it improved my brakes.
Thanks for posting this!

I will now resume my lurking duties

 

[Bsqrd]

All I can say is "WOW". What a difference! Thank you so much! Dude, I owe you a beer!
Now I will sit quietly and look for other awesome bits of info from this forum.

 

[maxbottomtime]

Would this actually impact braking power? Curious if anyone has tested though.

Brakes feel mushy but most of my driving has been in a hot hatch/ other smaller vehicles. A truck is big. I don't expect immediate snappy response.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Would this actually impact braking power? Curious if anyone has tested though.

Brakes feel mushy but most of my driving has been in a hot hatch/ other smaller vehicles. A truck is big. I don't expect immediate snappy response.

Yes and no. What this will do is improve pedal feel, consistency, and as a result allow the brakes to perform as they should. That said stopping distance is likely to be reduced because of the improvement in line pressure being applied to the calipers after resetting the ABS module.

Best way to see the difference is to go test drive a F150 and feel the difference in the brake pedal feel and braking performance.

 

[LoneRNGR]

Hope this helps you guys out.

When I first bought my Ranger I had the soft pedal. After about 1000 miles it resolved itself and now it feels normal.
You might think that I just got used to it, but I drive a different rental car every week for work and if the Ranger’s pedal was soft or mushy, I would notice.
If I thought it felt mushy or soft, I would definitely follow this procedure. Thanks for posting the video.

 

[LB357]

Wow is an understatement, brakes like a completely different truck now!

 

[Porpoise Hork]

I have done quite a lot to improve the brakes prior to doing this and wasn't quite sure how much improvement it would make, but I ran the ABS bleed procedure this evening anyway. The noise from the pump sure is disconcerting to say the least. Went for a test drive and it took a few light stops before I noticed any real difference. Then suddenly like flipping a switch the brakes got instantly better. The pedal is now firm and there's a definite and very consistent engagement point. Prior to doing this it was hit/miss on just when that was. And the stopping power is like never before. The truck stops on a dime and no more random rolling creep when at a light. The brakes are finally where they should have been from day one.

Many thanks to @2Xero21 and @commbubba19 for posting the video about this.

 

[Muffin1]

Can someone post a link or where to buy for the Forscan module? I've searched and haven't seen a specific place and read about 'bootleg' modules, excuse my naivety on this subject.
TIA, Rob

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