Hey all,

I have a 2005 Ford Ranger Edge 3.0, rwd, automatic. Previously, I'd posted a question about diagnosing and fixing my brakes. They are spongy, and seem to struggle to grip. The pedal sinks to the floor repeatedly (except when the engine is off, then it's hard; sometimes, when the parking brake is set, the pedal is firmer. The parking brake seems temperamental too, with the parking brake pedal tugging partway to the floor, but only holding when facing forwards downhill). I had not at the time of my previous post (and have not since) found any leak in the brake lines, so I replaced the brake master cylinder. Nothing is worse (which is great!) but nothing is better either. Does anyone have suggestions for what the next step should be? If I get some more free time, maybe tomorrow, I'll try to pull off the rear brake drums and see if anything is amiss there.

I'm not certain, but I think the fluid in my brake reservoir dropped slightly; but I could have simply failed to fill it up to the max line. I've refilled it, and I'll update if there's any change.

Any suggestions appreciated! Thank you for your time.

 

Parking brakes don't hold very well in reverse, that's why you can back up out of the driveway or parking spot but then can't move forward until you release the parking brake
Just the way it is, so never count on them when parking facing uphill, turn wheels to rest against a curb if possible

Do you have 4 wheel ABS?

 

Hi Ron! Thanks for responding. That makes sense; I guess I'll just keep it in mind in the future. For ABS, I thought I had four-wheel ABS - though I noticed today that the module states "4x2". My truck is rwd, so does that just mean that it's for a rwd vehicle?

I had been concerned about the parking brake, but my main concern was just that, when driving normally, the brakes often struggle to grip, and it is hard to come to anything other than a slow stop. It definitely used to stop sharper, and then it sat over the summer through a heat wave (I was gone) and the brakes were suddenly different when I returned.

 

Look in the engine bay for this 4 wheel ABS unit: https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...10226-1819.jpg

Right next to the Master cylinder, can't miss it, 5 brake lines

If its not there then you have Rear ABS

 

Yep, that's what I've got! The lines from the MC come in on the side, and the label on the module states 4x2 rather than 4x4, but I assume that's the same module.

 

Yes, you have 4WABS if you see that unit

But the down side is, that could be the problem if has gotten Air inside, it can't be bled like calipers and slaves can
Need to power(pressure) bled and to open and close the valves inside the ABS unit with an external controller

Read this thread to the end: https://www.explorerforum.com/forums...-4wabs.477473/

Explorers and Rangers used the same 4WABS units

A brake shop can do this type of bleeding, or diagnose another reason for the spongy brake pedal

You have done the DIY bleeding and even changed the Master with no change in the "spongy feel"
Not sure what else you can do without the power bleeder and 4WABS controller tool

 

Thanks Ron! I'll look into finding a good brake shop, then. Or maybe just take it to the Ford dealership... Hopefully should work out soon. Thanks again!