Brake Issue. Pedal wont return! - Diesel Forum

Jwinter · 11-20-2009, 04:14 PM

I recently bought an 88 350 4x4 that was sitting for a year, maybe two. I'm in the process of ironing out some issues and the forum has been a huge help. The brake pedal on this truck stays down when I press them to stop and I have to lift it up with my foot to un lock the brakes. I want to fix this issue tomorrow. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I used the search function for awhile but didn't find anything.

ARIZHNT · 11-20-2009, 04:26 PM

Bleed the brakes, if the fluid is black bleed until clean fluid comes out. This is all assuming that the system will pressure up correctly and that you dont have a massive leak somewhere.

Jwinter · 11-20-2009, 04:42 PM

We did some bleeding. Sorry, I should've stated that, but maybe we have to keep bleeding some more. Also it looks like the previous owner installed a new master and brake booster

FMTRVT · 11-20-2009, 05:51 PM

You could have gunked up calipers and wheel cylinders. Both the caliper pistons and wheel cylinder cups need to retract freely in order for the pedal to return.

Jwinter · 11-21-2009, 04:47 PM

Thank You. You were right. We put a new caliper on it today, now that issue seems to be gone. My pedal is soft now but at least I can drive it so I can get rid of this old fuel that's in it. I guess we'll do some more bleeding tomorrow. I was thinking caliper at first but after doing a bunch of searching of brake issues I kinda got off track. Once again, thanks!