1994 Ford Ranger XLT brake problem

I recently purchased a 1994 Ranger 5 speed with only 75,000 miles. I
have noticed that the brakes seem to be working except when at a stand
still and constant pressure is applied to brakes the pedal will slowly
go all the way to the floor. Is this a bleeding problem (air in the
line) or something more serious, like a master cylinder problem. Any
advice would be appreciated. The fluid is full and I don't see any
obvious leaking going on. If you let off and re-apply pressure the
brakes get firm but will slowly go down again.
Thanks in advance.

Scott

"Ispyu" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> I recently purchased a 1994 Ranger 5 speed with only 75,000 miles. I
> have noticed that the brakes seem to be working except when at a stand
> still and constant pressure is applied to brakes the pedal will slowly
> go all the way to the floor. Is this a bleeding problem (air in the
> line) or something more serious, like a master cylinder problem. Any
> advice would be appreciated. The fluid is full and I don't see any
> obvious leaking going on. If you let off and re-apply pressure the
> brakes get firm but will slowly go down again.
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Scott
>

I would try bleeding the brakes to remove any air in the lines starting with
the rear wheels. Maybe someone replaced a wheel cylinder and didn't get the
air out. Check the rear shoes and front pads for wear. Maybe they are just
too worn.

There was a recall on the brake booster on the early Explorers and I would
venture to guess that the same booster was used on the Rangers. I'm not
sure if it applied to the '94 or not but you may be able to find out on
www.autozone.com by putting in your truck's info and checking for recalls.
There is a procudure in the Hayne's manual for checking the booster. You
can get a manual for only about $17 at Pep Boys or Auto Zone. Are you
really THAT cheap?

Ispyu wrote:
> I recently purchased a 1994 Ranger 5 speed with only 75,000 miles. I
> have noticed that the brakes seem to be working except when at a stand
> still and constant pressure is applied to brakes the pedal will slowly
> go all the way to the floor.

That does sound like a master cylinder problem- brake fluid leaking
past the seal. That doesn't cause a loss of fluid, and pumping the
brake pedal will temporarily restore pedal height. Bleeding the brakes
is not likely to fix it at this point, usually the seal is worn or
deformed.

The other alternative is a leak somewhere else -like a wheel cylinder-
which would leave a puddle and empty the brake fluid reservoir- so
you'd know if that's the case.
-Paul

I guess more lazy than cheap, have't had a chance yet. I am getting
ready to bleed the system and will post with the results

Thanks for the info.

Scott
Ulysses wrote:
> "Ispyu" > wrote in message
> oups.com...
> > I recently purchased a 1994 Ranger 5 speed with only 75,000 miles. I
> > have noticed that the brakes seem to be working except when at a stand
> > still and constant pressure is applied to brakes the pedal will slowly
> > go all the way to the floor. Is this a bleeding problem (air in the
> > line) or something more serious, like a master cylinder problem. Any
> > advice would be appreciated. The fluid is full and I don't see any
> > obvious leaking going on. If you let off and re-apply pressure the
> > brakes get firm but will slowly go down again.
> > Thanks in advance.
> >
> > Scott
> >
>
> I would try bleeding the brakes to remove any air in the lines starting with
> the rear wheels. Maybe someone replaced a wheel cylinder and didn't get the
> air out. Check the rear shoes and front pads for wear. Maybe they are just
> too worn.
>
> There was a recall on the brake booster on the early Explorers and I would
> venture to guess that the same booster was used on the Rangers. I'm not
> sure if it applied to the '94 or not but you may be able to find out on
> www.autozone.com by putting in your truck's info and checking for recalls.
> There is a procudure in the Hayne's manual for checking the booster. You
> can get a manual for only about $17 at Pep Boys or Auto Zone. Are you
> really THAT cheap?