truck problem

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Russianwolf

Russianwolf

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2007
Messages
5,690
Location
Martinsburg, WV, USA.
So yesterday I was driving to work and it'd been raining. I hit the brakes a bit hard due to an idiot and the ABS kicked in but the both the ABS and Brake lights stayed on after I started moving again and the peddle now seems pretty soft.

I checked the fluid this morning and it seemed low so I refilled, but again the peddle is soft. The brakes are still working, but engage much lower than I'm used to. I'm thinking that the rubber piston on the master cylinder may be the culprit.

This is on the 2000 Dodge Dakota by the way.

Any other ideas?
 
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If you look at the brake pedal on the inside of the cab. Check the rod that extends from the pedal through the firewall into the master cylinder. You can pul back the rubber cover. It should be dry, if there is any moisture it means that the rubber seal around the piston is worn and the hard pressure may have caused it to leak air. the master cylinder can be rebuilt, but if there is any corrosion on the inside of the piston body then you should just replace it. If you replace it make sure to bleed the system until no air comes from any of the cylinders since air interferes with braking ability.
 
I would check for a blown wheel cylinder. Look for a wet place where the brake line goes into the dust cover on the back of each wheel. It seems like the rear one will go first.
 
Last place to check VSS (Vehicle speed sensor) on the tranny will throw the ABS code. Brakes may feel softer due to the ABS being disabled...just a thought
 
Check the master block down by your feet under the truck. Had that happen to me before when I was in an accident. Seems I hit my brakes really hard and it caused the brake module/valve there to pop. This box has all the brake lines feeding into it. Trace the lines from the master cyl down by the firewall until you reach the box with the few lines and wires coming from it.
 
apparently I just needed to let the engine run a bit to rebuild the pressure after adding fluid. Both light are back off and the peddle feels fine again.

Now that's not to say there isn't a leak somewhere, the fluid had to have somewhere to escape the system. Once we dry out I can do a better search.

Chevy??? Well, we are looking for a Burban, but the Vue we have now has had the ABS light on for years. Even the dealerships can't figure out why.

Buy a Yota??????? Not a chance in H -E- Double hockey sticks. 1) you are paying more for the name than the vehicle and 2) I only drive real trucks. :biggrin: (and being able to control the speed is always nice).
 
I've owned both Chevys and Ford and and still have a Jimmy. Never owned a Dodge truck, but if their like the caravan my wife has they are a piece of s***. I've owned a Toyota Tundra for 2 yrs and think it's the best truck I've ever had.

Jack
 
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