State Street Auto Service
2010 Ford Pickup F150 with a customer reported a “clunk” noise when the 4-low range was engaged and the steering was pulling to one side. Our technician found that both front brake pads were dragging which was caused by seized brake calipers and a defective brake hose. The noise was caused by the brake pads moving with the brake rotor when the vehicle changed direction.
Why do Ford Pickup F150 have brake drag?
There are three main causes of brake drag on the Ford F150. Caliper mounting hardware corrosion from harsh winter conditions does not allow the caliper to release the pressure on the brake pads. Brake caliper piston corrosion from moisture-contaminated brake fluid prevents the brake piston from retracting and releasing the pressure on the brake pads. Delamination of the brake flex hose inner lining which prevents the release of the brake pressure.
Often vehicles that have heavy-duty brake systems the brakes do not get enough use to keep them working freely. Especially in the harsh weather conditions of Ann Arbor, MI area.
Diagnosis
Our Ford truck mechanic inspected the 4-wheel drive system operation when engaging and disengaging the four-wheel drive in both 4-high and 4-low ranges. There were no visual signs of problems with the 4-wheel system. The brake technician found no noises other than the normal 4-wheel actuator engaging the 4-wheel system.
Next, our technician checked the on-board diagnostic computer and found no error codes.
During a vehicle test drive the technician noticed that the vehicle would not move without pressing on the accelerator pedal. This usually indicates that the brakes are dragging similar to the brakes being lightly applied. Ford F-150 vehicles are known for failed brake hose linings which prevent the brake calipers from releasing, and seized brake calipers which also don't allow the brake pads to release.
Next, the technician performed a visual inspection removing both front wheels, and found the front brake caliper piston could not be retracted on both sides. This can be caused by corrosion both inside and outside the caliper. Also, the caliper mounting hardware was rusted and did not allow the caliper to slide freely which contributed to the brake drag problem. This is a common problem with the Ford F150 with high mileage, heavy-duty brakes, and light-duty use. The brakes simply do not get enough use to keep them free of corrosion.
The steering pulling problem when the brakes were applied, and after being released, strongly indicated a brake hose hydraulic fluid restriction due to failure of the brake flex hose inner lining. This fluid restriction can cause the brake pad to drag on the most affected side.
A full digital vehicle inspection report with photos was sent to the customer along with a detailed estimate of repair. Or policy is to be transparent and clear on what the problem is, what is required to repair the issue, and provide a complete brake repair service price estimate.
Repair
Our brake technician recommended brake caliper replacement on both sides, brake pad replacement, brake rotor replacement due to them being worn to their wear limit, brake hose replacement on both sides and a brake fluid flush and replacement.
Once we received the customer's permission to do the repair, the technician disconnected the old brake hoses from the calipers and lines, drained the old brake fluid, replaced both brake hoses, and connected them to the new brake calipers. Replaced front brake pads, brake calipers, and installed new brake rotors, performed a brake fluid flush including the brake master cylinder, refilled with new brake fluid, and bled the brake system to remove air from the brake hydraulic system.
A final quality control inspection was performed and then a road test to ensure the brakes worked correctly and the brake problem was solved.
Tips
A brake inspection and caliper mount lubrication once per year can prevent brake drag and the resulting premature brake pad wear and decreased fuel economy. With the harsh winter road conditions of Ann Arbor, MI a yearly brake service can prevent most F150 brake problems. A brake fluid flush and replacement is recommended every two years due to the moist air conditions in Ann Arbor, MI.
Why does the Ford F-150 experience brake drag problems?
Here are some of the most common causes of brake drag problems that can occur on a Ford F150:
1. Faulty brake lines: A blockage or restriction in the brake hydraulic lines can cause the brake system to drag when the hydraulic pressure is not released. The most common cause of brake drag on the Ford F-150 pickup is faulty brake hoses. The inner lining of the brake hose separates and can block the brake fluid passage. Common symptoms of failed brake hoses are steering pulling when the brakes are applied, brake drag and overheating brakes, and rapid brake pad wear.
2. Sticking brake calipers: Calipers are responsible for pressing the brake pads onto the brake rotors and slowing the vehicle. If the brake calipers get stuck the brake pads remain in contact with the brake rotors when the brakes are released. The brake calipers need to move freely so that they release the brake pads and not drag when the brake pedal is released. Rust and road dirt, lack of lubrication, corrosion of the caliper piston, and deterioration of the piston hydraulic seal can cause the brake caliper to not release and cause the brake caliper to seize or stick.
3. Rusty brake rotors: Rust buildup on the brake rotors can cause the brake pads to drag.
4. Malfunctioning brake booster: If the brake booster malfunctions or is not installed correctly, it can not allow the brakes to fully release and cause brake drag.
5. Brake master cylinder: If the master cylinder is defective it can prevent the brakes from fully releasing and cause brake drag in the front and rear brake systems.
6. Low-quality brake parts: Using low-quality or defective brake parts can cause brake drag when the parts do not perform correctly or wear out prematurely.
7. Incorrectly installed brake components: Improper installation of brake replacement parts can cause the brake system to function improperly, leading to brake drag. Common problems are not cleaning and lubricating brake caliper mounting hardware, not correctly installing the brake pads, incorrect brake caliper overhaul, not resurfacing or replacing the brake rotors when brake pads are replaced, and incorrect wheel bearing adjustment.
It is important to have any brake problems on a Ford F150 addressed promptly, as brake issues can significantly affect the vehicle's safety and drivability. A certified technician can diagnose the cause of the brake drag problem and recommend the correct brake repairs.
Common Brake Problem Symptoms
Here are some of the most common brake problem symptoms that can occur on a Ford F-150:
1. Brake fade: brakes lose their effectiveness due to overheating, resulting in a loss of braking power. Brake fade can result from vehicle overloading, brake drag problems due to a malfunction, or poor driving practice.
2. Spongy or soft brake pedal: typically caused by air in the brake hydraulic lines, a malfunctioning brake booster, or brake master cylinder.
3. Brake pulsation or vibration: This can be caused by warped brake rotors or brake drums, which can cause the brake pedal to pulse or vibrate when brakes are applied.
4. Brake noise: can include squeaking, grinding, or rubbing sounds when the brakes are applied. Can be caused by worn brake pads, loose brake hardware, rough or rusted brake rotors, and incorrectly installed brake pads.
5. Sticking or dragging brakes: commonly occurs due to problems with the brake calipers, brake lines, failed brake hoses, malfunctioning brake master cylinder, and malfunctioning power brake booster which causes the brakes to not release fully and drag.
6. ABS warning light: indicates a problem with the anti-lock braking system. This can be caused by ABS sensor malfunctions, ABS control units, ABS valves, or damaged wiring.
7. Brake fluid leaks: a loss of brake fluid can result in reduced braking power or complete brake failure. Typical causes of brake fluid leaks are rusted brake lines or age-related brake hose failure.
If you experience any of these brake problems on your Ford F150, it's important to have them diagnosed and repaired promptly by a trained brake technician to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
Contact State Street Auto Service for brake repair service near Ann Arbor, MI.
State Street Auto Service
6628 Whitmore Lake Rd
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189
(734) 761-8006
