FIX YOUR MUSHY BRAKES

[2Xero21]

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.

You’re welcome! The rolling creep caught me off guard several times also and it’s so nice not having to worry about that anymore. I should have warned everyone about the ABS pump noise but to be honest I’ve done it on so many vehicles over the years it doesn’t even phase me and it’s somewhat normal so I forgot to reassure everyone in the video it was normal and ok.

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[Frenchy]

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

Here is the dongle for the computer. If I'm not mistaken I believe it came with instructions on getring ForScan. Good news!! ForScan by itself is FREE!!!!

OBDLink EX FORScan OBD Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081VQVD3F/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_2R694DK23562SXRV8RHV

 

[2Xero21]

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

I purchased the connector off Amazon, here’s a link to the one I bought. Inside the package is a list of instructions of where and how to download forscan from the forscan website. All you’ll need is a windows laptop.
OBDMONSTER ELM327 USB FORScan OBD2 Adapter for F150 F250 Car and Light Truck, ELMconfig Scanner with MS CAN/HS CAN Switch, Diagnosis on Windows with V1.5 PIC18F25K80 Chip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083FML51...abc_GJ91R1VT0Y34J8NMXQJR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[2Xero21]

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 it does improve the braking power. It firms the pedal feel to where it should have been from ford making it feel more of an immediate snappy response as you stated and it has shortened my braking distance and eliminated the rolling forward at a stop.

 

[Muffin1]

I purchased the connector off Amazon, here’s a link to the one I bought. Inside the package is a list of instructions of where and how to download forscan from the forscan website. All you’ll need is a windows laptop.
OBDMONSTER ELM327 USB FORScan OBD2 Adapter for F150 F250 Car and Light Truck, ELMconfig Scanner with MS CAN/HS CAN Switch, Diagnosis on Windows with V1.5 PIC18F25K80 Chip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083FML51...abc_GJ91R1VT0Y34J8NMXQJR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you much appreciated.

 

[2Xero21]

Saw this on that group too, but appreciate the excellent write up and making sure what i got from the vid also matched up to yours.

Still puzzled why it has a mushy brake even compared to other similar ford vehicles too. I drove a Ford Edge and that thing was insanely touchy on the brakes, just a toe on it would slam them down.

I recall people changing brakes and bleeding it themselves and still having the issue. Just wondering if this IS intentional and possibly doing this may have some side effect?

I hope it doesnt cause i personally hate it, drove my Lightning for a weekend cruise and while that thing doesnt exactly have brembos on it, the instant response of the brakes caught me off guard in the driveway lol.

Also i notice my 2016 zx10r also has a similar mushy brake lever compared to other bikes, guess thats a good thing as that thing stops extremely well even with it

I have put about 500 miles on my Ranger since discovering this and no issues whatsoever. I’ve put about 10k on my mustang and also no issues whatsoever. In response to your comment about people changing brakes and bleed themselves and still having the issue then this procedure should have definitely been done if they opened the hydraulic system and it would have corrected the issue.

 

[Ranger33566]

Does the engine need to be running while the FORScan ABS Bleed Procedure is in progress?

Many thanks for all input

 

[Muffin1]

Does the engine need to be running while the FORScan ABS Bleed Procedure is in progress?

Many thanks for all input

From the video I watched the key needs to be in the on position (not started) during the programing.

 

[2Xero21]

so, this does it by manual user input.
what other ways might the truck do this on its own?

perhaps a real life instance where ABS required?
perhaps during the precharging of the brakes during an Emergency brake activation with the pre collision assist?

I only wonder because I have ran my truck through both of those scenarios early on, and have never had a complaint about my brakes

just a thought to ponder.

I’ve heard of a few people slamming on the brakes 3-4 times consecutively causing the ABS to engage and they stated it made theirs firmer as well. It’s essentially doing the same thing I did just by slamming on the brakes a few times instead of activating it with forscan.

 

[2Xero21]

Does the engine need to be running while the FORScan ABS Bleed Procedure is in progress?

Many thanks for all input

The key needs to be in the on position but not running.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Does the engine need to be running while the FORScan ABS Bleed Procedure is in progress?

Many thanks for all input

No Forscan will have you cycle the key to the off position then back on when you start the bleed process.

so, this does it by manual user input.
what other ways might the truck do this on its own?

perhaps a real life instance where ABS required?
perhaps during the precharging of the brakes during an Emergency brake activation with the pre collision assist?

I only wonder because I have ran my truck through both of those scenarios early on, and have never had a complaint about my brakes

just a thought to ponder.

I have had a couple instances where the ABS got engaged but did not make any change to the pedal like this did.

When running the process on mine there was a distinct pitch change in the ABS pump sound for the front lines. It reminded me of how a hydraulic press pump sounds when it starts building pressure due to increased resistance on the ram. When continuing to the rears there was virtually no change in the pitch of the pump. Not sure if the same pitch change is happening for others but it's from the how it reacted the bleed process is definitely making a difference in line pressures especially for the fronts.

 

[got3fords]

The majority of ABS modulators not equipped with bleeders will require cycling of the valves and activation of the pump to bleed out these “hidden” areas. For example, the Ford version of the EBC310 requires the “bleed function” to be performed through the NGS scan tool (See Figure 6). This function cycles each of the dump valves and then energizes the pump to bleed these hidden areas.

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Would slamming on the brakes on a slippery surface do the same thing?

 

[jlewand3]

Anyone with a 2021 perform this? My brakes don't feel amazing but also don't feel noticeably terrible coming from a 2017 F150.

 

[f1loco]

Anyone with a 2021 perform this? My brakes don't feel amazing but also don't feel noticeably terrible coming from a 2017 F150.

Just did mine yesterday and yes can see marked improvement in brake feel.

 

[jlewand3]

Just did mine yesterday and yes can see marked improvement in brake feel.

Thank you sir! Just performed the service; definitely notice a difference right away! Thank you all!

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