I have a driveway that has some pitch to it.... probably about a 30 degree incline.

I've noticed when I have left my Ranger parked in the driveway, that for a few minutes after I back out of the driveway, the brakes don't really work. I mean, I can get the truck stopped, but I have to basically stand on the pedal. Is this normal, or something that I should have fixed in the next 4K miles (before the warranty runs out).

What I've started doing is carefully backing it out and letting it sit on the (relatively flat) street for about 10 minutes before I drive it for real, and that seems to help.

Thoughts? I've never experienced this with any of my other vehicles, and it's somewhat unnerving. I checked the obvious things like fluid levels and such, but I'm still learning and want to know what to look for.

Thanks,
James

 

do you let it sit for a second after starting up? I know the truck goes through kind of self check of some systems such as ABS right after starting. maybe youre trying to hit the brakes too soon after starting... wild guess, but try and let it sit for a second until all the idiot lights in the dash are out.

 

Yep... idiot lights are off. Truck in reverse...back out of the driveway (about 25 ft.), across the street (another 20). Hit the brakes because I don't want to hit the tree... nothing.

Stomp on the breaks because I'm scared I'm going to hit the tree...

 

With rear drum brakes it is normal to have less braking force when moving in reverse.
But if you have to stand on the pedal to stop , you should have the rears adjusted.The automatic adjusters freeze up ,and normal shoe wear will diminish the brakes.

 

Could the Vac Booster be bad ?

Sounds like Vacuum is low and needs time to build up.

My thought is to take it to the dealer before the warranty runs out.

 

Take it back before the warranty runs out. That is definitely NOT normal. My driveway is pretty much the same setup, and I don't wait at all when I back out, and no pedal stomping for me!

 

Thanks guys. I didn't know if this was just one of those "Ford things" you grow used to (like the ridiculously inaccurate gas gauge), or if I should be concerned.

Dealer will see my truck soon.