My '98 F-150 sucks at emergency braking. "Dull" is the best word to describe response. Any suggestions? I don't mind spending more money for better braking. I've had new calipers, rotors, pads, rear shoes and rear wheel cylinders replaced.... still sucks.

Apparently I have only rear ABS. I can't seem to lock the front wheels no matter how hard I try. One would almost think I had 4 wheel ABS, but the dealer assures me that I don't.

What gives? I just ran over a wild animal because (at low speed) my brakes seem to lose about 40% braking power after the (initial) response. The dealer says they're "normal". I've never had a vehicle that stops so crappy.

Jay

 

I had a similiar situation with my wife's Pontiac Grand Am....."inherent soft" brake pedal feel, not too good stopping power. I put on a set of Bendix brake pads (titanium facing) and had her drive it. She thought I had rebuilt the brake system. The stopping was SOOOOOOOOOOO much better. You might try something along those lines if available in your area.

Mike

 

Assuming there's no air in the lines, I have to agree that switching to a better brake pad will probably cure the problem. I never really cared for the OEM pads. They felt dull, just as you describe, practically from the start.

 

Hey guys, thanks. Mike, did you replace the calipers with Bendix too, or just the pads? I'll try finding them local.

Appreciate the advice.

 

No, I didn't replace the calipers, just the pads. You can find the pads @ Kragens or Auto Zone. The Bendix pads should have a MKD prefix in the part number.
Good luck
Mike