Brake Pedal Issues

[RangerBill]

I would bleed the wheel cylinders of any air. My feeling is that using Forscan to bleed the ABS module, is only bleeding the ABS module, not removing air from the brake lines to the wheel cylinders. My 2 cents.

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[rang19ca]

Yes it is a good idea to have the brakes bled. I had this done and it really helped make the pedal more responsive by removing any air in the lines.

 

[tygr2007]

I did the Forscan ABS bleed, but it didn't last. I had the dealer bleed the brakes under warranty, and they did say they got air out. Much better. And for some odd reason, they got even a little better when I got new tires.

How did you get them to do this under warranty? I need a script.

 

[airline tech]

How did you get them to do this under warranty? I need a script.

I had the same issue - attempted to get this taken care of - under Warranty @ under 900 miles, dealer stated it's normal for all Rangers.

Now being a former ASE Cert (Brake Tech), I knew this was BS.

Did it myself - much BETTER, I could not believe how much air I got out of the system with only 900 miles on it.
I was forced to address this issue as I almost had an accident - from the lower brake pedal matching the gas pedal - had foot resting on both.
Now the brake pedal when pressed is above the gas, as long as I am at normal foot pressure, if pressing hard you can still hit both (if foot is off to the side of the brake pedal)
This is a Learning Curve with the Ranger, as the Gas to Brake Pedal design location are so close to each other - you have to train to move foot farther over to the left, than any other vehicle.
Especially - If you have BOOTs or BIG Feet

 

[got3fords]

How did you get them to do this under warranty? I need a script.

I just complained when I had it in for oil change. Just another reason I think I have a good dealership. Thanks tech William!

 

[SFB]

Are you the Original Owner or did you just buy the truck?

Reason I am asking is that this is a common issue from the factory that the dealers deem normal.

Mushy Brake Pedal - In my first few weeks of ownership - I manually bled the brakes; you will note lots of air in the RR as this is the longest brake line run from the master cylinder.
Brake pedal has been firm ever since and can and will - STOP on a dime if needed.

You can also do the the ABS Bleed via Forscan or any high-end scanner, as this is a automated way to bleed the brakes, No-Helper Required.
If you do this without opening the bleeders then it is just moving the air out of the ABS Pump Module, it may help the issue (SOME) but to get the full benefit and get the brake pedal back to a normal feel - you must do a complete bleed.

If this issue just started, then it may be a master cylinder issue.

I’ve noticed the same on mine, 19 XLT, I figured it was trapped air, but other than the excessive pedal travel it stops fine. I’ve just put up with it, little annoying for sure.

 

[SFB]

I had the same issue - attempted to get this taken care of - under Warranty @ under 900 miles, dealer stated it's normal for all Rangers.

Now being a former ASE Cert (Brake Tech), I knew this was BS.

Did it myself - much BETTER, I could not believe how much air I got out of the system with only 900 miles on it.
I was forced to address this issue as I almost had an accident - from the lower brake pedal matching the gas pedal - had foot resting on both.
Now the brake pedal when pressed is above the gas, as long as I am at normal foot pressure, if pressing hard you can still hit both (if foot is off to the side of the brake pedal)
This is a Learning Curve with the Ranger, as the Gas to Brake Pedal design location are so close to each other - you have to train to move foot farther over to the left, than any other vehicle.
Especially - If you have BOOTs or BIG Feet

Most definitely! I’ve hit both at the same time several time, especially when new. Amazing though how you subconsciously adjust.

 

[Reddog]

Most definitely! I’ve hit both at the same time several time, especially when new. Amazing though how you subconsciously adjust.

 

[Reddog]

I had the same problem with a 2023 Ranger tremor I used forscan software to do a auto bleed on the anti lock brake system and that took care of the problem no more soft mushy brake pedal

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I had the same issue - attempted to get this taken care of - under Warranty @ under 900 miles, dealer stated it's normal for all Rangers.

Now being a former ASE Cert (Brake Tech), I knew this was BS.

Did it myself - much BETTER, I could not believe how much air I got out of the system with only 900 miles on it.
I was forced to address this issue as I almost had an accident - from the lower brake pedal matching the gas pedal - had foot resting on both.
Now the brake pedal when pressed is above the gas, as long as I am at normal foot pressure, if pressing hard you can still hit both (if foot is off to the side of the brake pedal)
This is a Learning Curve with the Ranger, as the Gas to Brake Pedal design location are so close to each other - you have to train to move foot farther over to the left, than any other vehicle.
Especially - If you have BOOTs or BIG Feet

This has been reported a few times on the forum and it happened to me - big winter boots. Braking is just fine until you come down on the gas pedal and it lurches forward. Alarming indeed, especially for the folks in the crosswalk I was approaching.

 

[SFB]

I had the same problem with a 2023 Ranger tremor I used forscan software to do a auto bleed on the anti lock brake system and that took care of the problem no more soft mushy brake pedal

Is the Forscan expensive? It’s mentioned profusely here

 

[Reddog]

Is the Forscan expensive? It’s mentioned profusely here

No it’s free to download for 90days or 15.00 for a year you will need a laptop and info port connector off Amazon or eBay. Research how to use on you tube

 

[DRVMN]

I had my local Ford Dealership do a brake fluid exchange. Ran about $110. Good peace of mind - fresh fluid and bleeding the system as well. The pedal felt better after. I think the nature of our Rangers is that the brakes do not "grab" and are not as sensitive as other vehicles I have driven. When I get in my wife's Wrangler, I almost put us through the front windshield the first time I hit the brake pedal, until I get used to the feel as it is more sensitive and takes less effort compared to my Ranger.

 

[SFCHAMBERS]

One of the first things I noticed about my new to me '19 XLT was the soft brake pedal. Saw all the comments about Forscan so I down loaded it and got the adapter. It didn't connect to the computer but read to download the updates for the adapter and then it worked great. I then bled the ABS and it has really helped the brakes a lot. So thankfully we have people here who share their knowledge with those of us that need help.

 

[Eubie5]

i recently bought a 22 tremor and the brakes are noticeably mushy. did the forscan abs bleed, and maybe they are better? not really, might be in my mind. the way people talked, was hoping it would be alot better. still has plenty of factory warranty, just have to find a good dealership to take it to.
the place i bought it at is a couple hours away

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