FIX YOUR MUSHY BRAKES

[HDA]

I'm glad I checked out the forums today. Thanks for the tip. I've caught my truck creeping forward, at a stoplight, on more than one occasion.

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[got3fords]

You do not have to have an eval license to complete this service. However I would recommend always getting an eval license before doing any Forscan work just to cya.

What's an eval license?

 

[y2krtaf]

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.

Trevor,you rock!

Hated the brakes on this truck from day one!
Like you said,panic stopping was truly sketchy at best,the truck always stopped,but the pedal travel alone left you with a serious pucker factor..

This simple procedure made the brakes FEEL ? like they should have,with proper pedal travel as well!!!

Shame on Ford either during assembly,or during PDR for not doing this,Holy Fuck!

Thanks again for finding this!

 

[2Xero21]

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

Mine is a 2021 and I hated the brake feel that’s why I discovered this. While some people say they don’t feel an issue with their pedal I would bet if they performed this procedure they would be shocked and realize how bad the pedal actually was. But I guess if you’re happy with the way it feels then leave it alone. I have a friend with 2016 F-150 and he said his doesn’t feel as good as it should be, I’m going to try this procedure on his F-150 next time I see him.

 

[2Xero21]

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

Yes and no, I’ve had 2 people tell me since releasing this video that they had previously done that and they thought it helped until they tried the ABS bleed procedure and they instantly noticed a much better pedal feel.

 

[FoMoCoDave]

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.

I'm in the same situation and the stoplight creep.

This has happened.
Coming up to a slow down or stop. Way in advance of the line, hitting the brake lightly, thru the mushy... holding light steady braking.
THEN, after a few seconds of light steady pressure. press to apply more stopping power and the mushy is there?. But now I'm starting with 1/4 of my braking stroke already used!!! It really feels like the pedal is going to the floor. Like the brakes are bleeding down while being held, but the light braking force holds steady thru it.

2-week later edit after forscan
Did the procedure, ok thru everything. Right away there was better bite and I felt the brakes light grab much sooner. This made a noticeable improvement in my trucks mushy pedal. I recommend.

 

[Fitzmotor]

I did the procedure, really improves the pedal.

 

[commbubba19]

What's an eval license?

most forscan functions are blocked behind a license wall. you can request a 2 month evaluation or temp license to open all features but after 2 months it expires and those features are locked again. over the years i've requested about 3-4 eval licenses without issue however.

 

[Frio]

Add another happy customer of this procedure and more kudos to Trevor for enlightening us all. Also a big thanks goes out to @commbubba19 for bringing it over here. Much better brake pedal feel after this!

 

[jblc]

Thanks for posting this
Interestingly, I did the process but did not notice any difference in my 2021 XLT -- FYI that not everyone may see a difference. That process is startlingly LOUD though

 

[Trigganometry]

Just did it tonight. Took a bit before I did the reset after the 2 cycles of bleed. FordPass started sending me fault messages. Lol, good times and firm brakes!

This definitely needs to be added to Forscan mods thread. Definitely something everyone should do!

 

[range21]

Did this tonight on my 2021 ranger XLT..BIG improvement!! got use to having to pump my break pedal twice while coming up on to a stop sign...No longer need to ..brakes now engage before pressing pedal half way down like before. Dealer didn't know what to do with it...A big thank you to all involved with this fix!! I even bought the 1 year forscan license just to give them a little something for all their work...

 

[Delirious]

Interesting. I don’t have a problem with the brakes and actually like them as it lets me ease into my final stop and it’s seamless no abruptness. This looks like a great solution for those that don’t like the mushy feeling though. Good find.

I don't have an issue with my brakes either but the problem is when you go from a vehicle with our mushy breaks into a vehicle that dosen't have them, the first time you hit the pedal you wanna put yourself through the damned windshield! Haven't done that in quite a while and I don't have that issue when I drive my wife's Honda so I guess I'm good to go. But that's some really useful information that might come in handy in the future.

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

I don't have an issue with my brakes either but the problem is when you go from a vehicle with our mushy breaks into a vehicle that dosen't have them, the first time you hit the pedal you wanna put yourself through the damned windshield! Haven't done that in quite a while and I don't have that issue when I drive my wife's Honda so I guess I'm good to go. But that's some really useful information that might come in handy in the future.

Agreed. It can be very dangerous operating a vehicle you are unfamiliar with. Gotta test and familiarize to every different experience. I wonder how good BBS work, never had one.

 

[janitorjim]

After a whole 30 miles and 3 actual trips in my ranger I could expertly feel that it was mushy. So I did the in fashion thing and ran this service bleed and all I have to say is you all totally understated the noise it makes! SOB! A led zeplen concert makes less noise. thought the world was falling around me. dog went flying in the garage door to the house. After all that it does seem to be better.

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