Posted 2010-03-19 9:48 PM (#117831) Subject: Ford truck brakes dilemma
Member
Posts: 24
Location: Ohio
Good Evening: Two months ago while driving my truck, F150 - 2001, it started to smell like something was burning. The truck stayed with the mechanic for a week. He couldn't get it to do the same for him. Yesterday I'm running errands and the smell starts. A mile down the road the engine starts to labor and white smoke is coming from the front left wheel. I called AAA to haul the truck to the mechanic. There's evidence of over heating but all parts are working. Forgive me if I describe this incorrectly, the piston in the caliper is working fine and they can't find anything really wrong. Nothing is sticking. He called the Ford dealer about any parts recalls. Nope. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any suggestions? This old girl doesn't want to end up stuck in the boonies pulling my horse trailer. The mechanic has kept our various vehicles running for over ten years. He's a decent guy. Thank you. I'd appreciate any assistance on this.
Posted 2010-03-20 8:01 AM (#117843 - in reply to #117831) Subject: RE: Ford truck brakes dilemma
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
The truck is 9 model years old. I really think Ford doesn't have to do anything about it, but quite often they see repairs that independent mechanics don't.
I'd probably replace the caliper. Change the brake fluid.
Do you drive with two feet? One on the gas and one on the brake? Just asking'...some people do and don't realize it.
Posted 2010-03-20 8:11 AM (#117844 - in reply to #117831) Subject: RE: Ford truck brakes dilemma
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
Have had that happen on a Chevy before. If all the rest of the brakes are functioning properly my guess would be to replace the rubber line that goes from the frame to the caliper. What happens is the inside of the rubber line will start to come apart and it creates a "check valve" effect. You can apply the brakes and they work fine, but it ends up trapping the fluid where the line is collapsed and it can't release. It's not that expensive and I've had it happen twice. Oddly enough left front both times.
Posted 2010-03-20 9:01 AM (#117846 - in reply to #117831) Subject: RE: Ford truck brakes dilemma
Regular
Posts: 92 Location: Harrisburg, PA
Originally written by 3horse on 2010-03-19 9:48 PM
Good Evening: Two months ago while driving my truck, F150 - 2001, it started to smell like something was burning. The truck stayed with the mechanic for a week. He couldn't get it to do the same for him. Yesterday I'm running errands and the smell starts. A mile down the road the engine starts to labor and white smoke is coming from the front left wheel. I called AAA to haul the truck to the mechanic. There's evidence of over heating but all parts are working. Forgive me if I describe this incorrectly, the piston in the caliper is working fine and they can't find anything really wrong. Nothing is sticking. He called the Ford dealer about any parts recalls. Nope. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any suggestions? This old girl doesn't want to end up stuck in the boonies pulling my horse trailer. The mechanic has kept our various vehicles running for over ten years. He's a decent guy. Thank you. I'd appreciate any assistance on this.
I would ask if the brake shims need replaced. These are smooth metal plates that support the brake pad, and when they get rusty they might cause the brake pad to stick and drag against the brake rotor.
I agree about the fresh brake fluid. If the brake got that hot it needs done anyway.
Posted 2010-03-20 11:29 AM (#117851 - in reply to #117831) Subject: RE: Ford truck brakes dilemma
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
It's very possible the caliper stuck, and after it cooled down would release. Another possible is a sensor for the anti-lock might have stuck, which could engage just the one brake. I know it's expensive, but I would recommend replacing both front calipers and definitely the brake fluid.
Posted 2010-03-20 7:52 PM (#117864 - in reply to #117831) Subject: RE: Ford truck brakes dilemma
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
We had a sticking piston but the root cause was a collapse of the liner of the front brake line servicing it. Replaced piston and brake lines and all has been well 3 years and counting....good luck and keep on til someone fixes it, cuz it sure is not your imagination!!
Posted 2010-03-25 1:26 AM (#117981 - in reply to #117831) Subject: RE: Ford truck brakes dilemma
Veteran
Posts: 177 Location: East London South Africa
I agree with 301 Duster...replace the flexable pipe between the caliper and the Chassis...its happened to me before as well. to be safe replace both sides...they should not be expensive.....
Posted 2010-03-27 8:28 PM (#118066 - in reply to #117831) Subject: RE: Ford truck brakes dilemma
Member
Posts: 24
Location: Ohio
Thank you to everyone that responded. In answer to one person asking if I was a two footed driver. No, that one I don't do. I've been behind two footers and its maddening.
Thanks again and I'll let you know what happens.
Posted 2010-03-28 8:36 AM (#118087 - in reply to #117831) Subject: RE: Ford truck brakes dilemma
Regular
Posts: 69 Location: TEXAS
My wifes F350 did this, what had happened was I was out of town, and the front brakes got done and when they put the calipers back on they accendently put a twist in the rubber line, he truck would only do it when turning tight and it would kink the line. untwisting the line took care of it. but I replaced them just to make sure they did not have any undue stress on them
Ford truck brakes dilemma
