Brake pedal too stiff

[jsphlynch]

No trailer brake, unlikely that there's Air in the lines seeing as my pedal is very firm and even "fights back" against be pushed. Everyone here is talking about squish and air in the lines. I might repost and have to moderate it i guess. I find it hard to believe there weren't soft pedal threads you guys could have contributed to. i'm aware this is not a usual problem but steamrolling a post is pretty lame

What post got steamrolled? A thread was started about bad brake pedal feel, and people chimed in with their experiences and how they improved it.

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[airline tech]

Again, sorry you are not getting an immediate response for your issue, I guess others have experienced the exact opposite of your current issue (myself and others)

So, no trailer brake controller, well that's now eliminated.
So, mechanical possibilities

1. A plugged-up brake line (Restricted) or restricted caliper (creating resistance) as you press brake pedal you are overcoming the resistance. (Firm to Easy)
This is why I recommended a system bleed; it will show itself at the caliper bleeder port, as you will experience a small amount of fluid coming out.
So, if that checks good and (Zero) fluid flow issues getting to the calipers then it is going to be an issue with the Brake Booster.
This will also show brake pad condition, is one side worn more than the other, one possible easy test is to drive it on a straight away and apply brakes numerous times. get a digital thermometer and check if any brake disc (rotor) is colder than the rest. They should be close to equal, fronts will most likely be hotter than the rear.

2. Issue with the Brake Booster or Vacuum Supply to it, by your description I am going with this.
If you read into the manual I posted for you, it gives you direction for Excessive Brake Pedal Effort (Your EXACT complaint)
Your issue is understood, and I am trying to help.

 

[airline tech]

Here is a quick Brake Booster Test:


Component Test- Brake Booster

1. Disconnect the brake booster vacuum sensor/check valve from the brake booster and connect a suitable vacuum/pressure tester to the booster side of the vacuum sensor/check valve.
2. Apply the parking brake, start the engine and place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
   • Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature.
3. Verify that vacuum is available at the vacuum sensor/check valve with engine running at normal idle speed.
   • The vacuum gauge should read between 51-74 kPa (15-22 in-Hg).
   • If specified vacuum is available, stop the engine, connect the vacuum sensor/check valve and continue with Step 5.
   • If specified vacuum is not available, continue with Step 4.
4. Disconnect the vacuum sensor/check valve from the vacuum hose and verify that the specified vacuum is available at the hose with the engine at idle speed and the transmission in NEUTRAL.
   • If specified vacuum is available, stop the engine, install a new check valve and continue with Step 5.
   • For vehicles equipped with a brake vacuum pump, if specified vacuum is not available, inspect the vacuum hose and install new as necessary. If the vacuum hose is OK, install a new vacuum pump.
   • For vehicles not equipped with a brake vacuum pump, if specified vacuum is not available, stop the engine, connect the vacuum hose to the check valve and diagnose the no/low vacuum condition. Carry out the Intake Manifold Vacuum Test.
     REFER to: Engine (303-00 Engine System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing) .
5. Apply the brake pedal several times to exhaust all vacuum from the system.
6. Apply the brake pedal and hold it in the applied position. Start the engine and verify that the brake pedal moves downward after the engine starts.
   • If the brake pedal moves, the brake booster is operating correctly.
   • If the brake pedal does not move, install a new brake booster.
     REFER to: Brake Booster (206-07 Power Brake Actuation, Removal and Installation) .
7. Operate the engine a minimum of 20 seconds at idle. Stop the engine and let the vehicle stand for 10 minutes, then apply the brake pedal. The brake pedal feel should be the same as that noted with the engine operating.
   • If the brake pedal feels hard (no power assist), install a new brake booster vacuum sensor/check valve and retest.
   • If condition still exists, install a new brake booster.
     REFER to: Brake Booster (206-07 Power Brake Actuation, Removal and Installation) .
     
     
   • If the brake pedal feels the same as noted with the engine operating, the vacuum sensor/check valve is functioning properly.

On the offhanded chance, since I am assuming you bought used, let's play what if?
Again, this is just a possibility, but some owners adjusted the brake pedal travel to compensate for the mushy brake pedal they had from factory, this will effect brake pedal feel as well. it may be possible that was adjusted. (IDK)
If the previous options, I posted prove to be good then this is a possible point to check.

 

[dokoroko]

What post got steamrolled? A thread was started about bad brake pedal feel, and people chimed in with their experiences and how they improved it.

oh i see, people literally can't read. "brake pedal too stiff" =/= "bad brake feel". I'm just looking for people who have the same situation and what steps they took to try fixing it, and if they have fixed it what they recommend.

 

[dokoroko]

Again, sorry you are not getting an immediate response for your issue, I guess others have experienced the exact opposite of your current issue (myself and others)

don't be like that dude, i never complained about not getting an INSTANTENOUS RESPONSE NOW! It's just annoying to have your post hijacked because your problem isn't common. You have provided a ton of information and i appreciate it.

 

[airline tech]

OK, you vented, now let's just move on and focus on your problem and see if we can help resolve it or pinpoint it down some. (Troubleshoot) a not so common to the Ranger (Yet) issue.

 

[scarchild35]

Stiff pedal? I have just the opposite. Mine is a bit soft but nothing extreme. I was aware of this when I picked mine up from the dealer. The first time I drove it I completely understood what others were saying about that but I've gotten used to it by now. And I understand what others are saying about creeping forward while stopped. I had the same issue. But after 7 months I've completely gotten used to that too. My brakes actually feel different in different conditions. I was stopped at a light on an incline earlier today and the pedal went completely stiff on me. Weird. I've also noticed that while driving on the highway in traffic and having to slow down somewhat quickly, sometimes it feels like the braking intensity increases with constant pedal pressure, as in the truck is applying more braking power even though I'm not "asking" the truck for more braking. Is that something to do with the active braking system? I have unfortunately experienced the collision assist feature too, once. Some idiot pulled out directly in front of me and the truck reacted faster than I could have. It saved my bacon that day, saved my beautiful truck from getting bent up and for that I am grateful.

 

[jsphlynch]

Hijacked? Hardly.

Sounds like it could benefit from having a tailgate damper retrofit to soften it up a little.

Now, it’s hijacked.

I'm thinking it's the opposite: these trucks typically come stock with 1) no damper, and 2) squishy brakes. Coincidence? I think not!

Thus OP probably has a damper added which should be removed if he wants softer brakes.

 

[dokoroko]

OK, you vented, now let's just move on and focus on your problem and see if we can help resolve it or pinpoint it down some. (Troubleshoot) a not so common to the Ranger (Yet) issue.

wtf

 

[dokoroko]

Stiff pedal? I have just the opposite. Mine is a bit soft but nothing extreme. I was aware of this when I picked mine up from the dealer. The first time I drove it I completely understood what others were saying about that but I've gotten used to it by now. And I understand what others are saying about creeping forward while stopped. I had the same issue. But after 7 months I've completely gotten used to that too. My brakes actually feel different in different conditions. I was stopped at a light on an incline earlier today and the pedal went completely stiff on me. Weird. I've also noticed that while driving on the highway in traffic and having to slow down somewhat quickly, sometimes it feels like the braking intensity increases with constant pedal pressure, as in the truck is applying more braking power even though I'm not "asking" the truck for more braking. Is that something to do with the active braking system? I have unfortunately experienced the collision assist feature too, once. Some idiot pulled out directly in front of me and the truck reacted faster than I could have. It saved my bacon that day, saved my beautiful truck from getting bent up and for that I am grateful.

yes, i know everyone posting in this thread only has squishy brakes. so why are you posting in a thread that has nothing to do with hard brakes. is there a gas leak in this forum?

 

[airline tech]

Look - I am trying to help you - you are amped up - due to posts not related to your specific issue are being posted - that is how this forum is - nature of public forums- now that I am trying to focus on your issue and possibly direct you to a fix - you are still focused and upset about unrelated posts. I don’t understand what the problem is - this is why I stated - let’s move on I understand your frustration at a time of buying a new truck only to have issues - been there done that - my own issue with the brakes
You have some Ford techs and an engineer on this forum that will be glad to help. In my automotive career I was ASE certified in brakes - so I have a background and experience with the system - although it’s been some time since professionally doing it- the basics are the same - but a few added parts have slightly changed functionality

 

[dokoroko]

wait there's a manual available wtf, thanks for linking that site. feel free to post about your squishy brakes once again! this is officially a squishy brake thread

 

[IdahoRanger]

 

[IdahoRanger]

A stiff drink is needed.

 

[Rp930]

Maybe a switch to decaf.

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