My old '84 2.3 Ranger 2WD had a vaccuum leak at the brake booster (and it froze solid in the winter due to moisture). So I found a used one which looked good. Installed, no leaks, stops truck. Great.

BUT...

• Most times when just lightly touching the pedal, the booster will grab the pedal and apply the brakes with moderate force, and then slowly release.

• At other times the brakes will apply normally, but the pedal will not return on its own - needs a toe to pull it up and free the brakes.

What would cause the booster to draw down the pedal, or to hold it down? I'm pretty sure I installed it properly. Do I need a new booster, or could there be another cause? My mechanic is stumped too.

Gordon

 

So...

• no one ever heard of this problem?

• its a stupid question?

• 24 yr. old Rangers don't rate?

 

Sounds like a sticky master cylinder.

 

Thanks Blhde,

The master cylinder was fine before changing the booster. Now the brake pedal will actually apply itself if just touched lightly - it moves toward the floor and slows the truck without my foot on it.

It seems like the vacuum actually has power over the pedal because this effect doesn't happen if I disconnect the booster vacuum tube.

 

buy a new booster then, i think they are all the same from 83-08.
im not 100% positive, but they all look the same.

 

replace the master cylinder first,that should solve the problem from what your decribing.

 

Thanks to both for the advice. Why do you target the master cylinder Kevin?