Dear Aftermarket, Improve the Brake Pedal, Please!

[RCMUSTANG]

I considered looking at adjusting the rod but after my big brakes I didn't need to.

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[Porpoise Hork]

I need as much gas savings as possible.

The majority of drivers may only see at best a 3-10% increase of the mpg of a given tank compared to similar vehicles without the stop/start active. That equates to maybe an extra 10-20 miles per tank and $2-3. This difference can easily be made up by changing driving habits and avoiding long periods of idling if possible. There are plenty of other options that can be done to improve fuel economy, such as installing a mild tune that allows for 87 octane or having a less restrictive exhaust to name two. Plenty of people myself included have reported improvements in mpg after these types of changes. Either way, if keeping it enabled works for you then no need to change it.

 

[AZRanger]

My pedal feels fine, and I daily drive on mountainous switch back roads. Then again my other car (4Runner) is also known for weird brake pedals, so maybe I’m just used to it.

 

[GitRDone]

Already mentioned, being too gentle on the brakes can build up glaze over time on the rotors which reduces braking power. Every now and then give the brake pedal a moderate stomp from speed and without stopping repeat a few times to break the glaze. Other option is to drive slowly around the block under power while limiting speed with the brake pedal. This embeds the rotor with friction material which increases stopping power. Also the pressure brake bleed is a good idea as these modern brakes are very sensitive to even tiny bits of air in the system.

 

[TremorOwner]

The majority of drivers may only see at best a 3-10% increase of the mpg of a given tank compared to similar vehicles without the stop/start active. That equates to maybe an extra 10-20 miles per tank and $2-3. This difference can easily be made up by changing driving habits and avoiding long periods of idling if possible. There are plenty of other options that can be done to improve fuel economy, such as installing a mild tune that allows for 87 octane or having a less restrictive exhaust to name two. Plenty of people myself included have reported improvements in mpg after these types of changes. Either way, if keeping it enabled works for you then no need to change it.

I also need my warranty and I am not interested in loud exhausts.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

I also need my warranty and I am not interested in loud exhausts.

I can completely appreciate that need.

There are plenty of exhaust upgrade options that improve flow, are as quiet as stock, and are setup as a slip-on installation. This allows one to swap out the stock muffler and be able to revert to stock if needed and no impact to the warranty. But if you choose to remain stock there's nothing wrong with that at all.

 

[FourMoreG]

I traded a 2011 5spd man. Sport S Cab 4x4, for a 2021 S Crew Lariat 4x4, and the brakes on the 11 were easily, THE BEST BRAKES that I have ever used on ANY of the dozen+ vehicles that I have EVER owned. The spongy brakes are the only big gripe I have on the 21. So comparing 2011 to 2021 apples to apples, why is there sponge now ? I just don’t get it ? Maybe the brakes will need more miles to break in, but the 21 pedal actuation distance AND soft feel is annoyingly noticeable and I am reminded with every braking action. Nothing is perfect and I enjoy the truck, but now I will have to try to learn how to tolerate the lack of brake pedal response.

Maybe Ford Engineering will review current functionality of the brake system and consider Improvements.

Or not.

 

[Madtel4]

My brake pedal goes down even or just below the gas pedal. If some of you guys think this is OK, I submit that you don't know jack S--- about brakes. I have 3 Fords two 2020s and a 2021. I have owned many new Ford cars and trucks over the years. The pedal feel on this Ranger sucks.
Lee

 

[P. A. Schilke]

My brake pedal goes down even or just below the gas pedal. If some of you guys think this is OK, I submit that you don't know jack S--- about brakes. I have 3 Fords two 2020s and a 2021. I have owned many new Ford cars and trucks over the years. The pedal feel on this Ranger sucks.
Lee

Hi Lee,

I agree the pedal feel is not as robust as it could be but the stopping power is there to meet FMVSS requirements. I know the Engineering higher up that signed off on this and he is the most technically inept engineer I had the unfortunate circumstance for which to work.

I know Jack S. Son of Giva S and Oh S....

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[Madtel4]

so Mr Jack shit....where do you fall in accordance with this?
lets see if your brake pedal is truly at or below the gas pedal.
anecdotal opinions aside, put your money where your mouth is.

 

[Madtel4]

Sorry, hard to hold phone light and tape but as any one can see my pedal is almost 2 in lower than gas. The engine was running. straight edge taped flat to the gas pedal. As I said brakes SUCK on my Ranger.
Lee

 

[Madtel4]

so Mr Jack shit....where do you fall in accordance with this?
lets see if your brake pedal is truly at or below the gas pedal.
anecdotal opinions aside, put your money where your mouth is.

Oh how much Money?
Lee

 

[AdamHarris]

Lee it’s no use. This Dude knows Everything under the sun, and when he doesn’t he just makes fun of people.

 

[AdamHarris]

I mean he knows damn well the brake pedal should Never go down further than the gas pedal (or be even with it for that matter) but he’s going to argue and treat you like a dumbass for the duration.

 

[Madtel4]

Hi Lee,

I agree the pedal feel is not as robust as it could be but the stopping power is there to meet FMVSS requirements. I know the Engineering higher up that signed off on this and he is the most technically inept engineer I had the unfortunate circumstance for which to work.

I know Jack S. Son of Giva S and Oh S....

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

Thinks Phil, A long time back I had a shop and did some brake work. Had I ever returned a car or truck to a customer with brakes as poor as my Ranger they would have gotten a full refund and a heartfelt apology. I never had to as I never turned out that kind of work.
Lee

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