Brake Question

[HighSierra86]

Know this isnt an engine question, but it does pertain to the diesel brake systems.....

Our 89 (old body style) 6.2 has developed a brake issue. Pedal has alot of travel before the brakes grab. Kind of feels like a bad booster, but these trucks obviously dont have one. That being said, the p.s. pump seems to be working fine too.

Cant find any blown lines or leaks. Any ideas as to what it might be? symptoms of a master cyl??

Thanks guys (and gals)

 

[ak diesel driver]

sounds like master cylinder or it got some air in it

 

[just a number]

I'd put my money on the master too. I go though a rebuilt one about every 2 years it seems. it feels like a leak but there's no trace. I figured out that it was pushing fluid from one reservoir to the other. when it filled it up is when the brakes started to work somewhat again. still no fun when you need to stop though.

 

[Acesneights1]

They are in adjustment right ?

 

[just a number]

good catch. I missed that one. the rears have to be setup before the fronts work worth a hoot.

EDIT: one little detail. diesels do have a booster. they're not a vacuum one like a gasser. the hydroboost is what does that job. another good reason to keep the PS system happy. when the hydroboost system goes you get the hard pedal though.(no assist)

 

[HighSierra86]

Brakes are in adjustment and were working fine. We use the truck almost every day so it was a notable difference in pedal travel from the day before. I bleed the front brakes this morning and found no air, but i did notice what looks to be the left rear wheel cyl is leaking. So im gonna guess that is the issue. Ill pull the drum tommorow and have a look.

 

[HighSierra86]

Thought you guys might enjoy a pic of the "rig"

kind of my baby at work. no body else likes driving the old girl, not to mention hardly any of them can use a clutch

 

[ak diesel driver]

nice!

 

[NVW]

Looks to be in nice shape.

 

[just a number]

nice looking rig. hopefully it's only a wheel cylinder leak. a nice and easy job

 

[Acesneights1]

Not if it's full floaters...

 

[just a number]

FF aren't that bad. just the nut is a pain. that and they're heavy.

 

[btfarm]

:thumbsup:That's a good lookin' truck!

 

[HighSierra86]

Thanks guys. The truck only has 48K miles (and no it hasnt rolled over!) I think it was originally a florida state truck, how it ended up in CT i do not know. We have had it for about 12 years now i think. 2 years ago I went through most of the truck, repairing and repainting anything that was in need. I did send out the cab to get repainted with a centari paint. I was happy with the way it came out for a work truck. The paint is very hard and not easy to scratch, and compound will take them right out. We use the truck almost everyday, but we couldnt justify spending 40K to replace it. So it is here to stay!