Came back from hunting tonite, pulled in the parking space and brake pedal was really stiff (alot of pedal) and the brakes acted like they wernt grabbin hold so I put it in gear and drove around the lot, the pedal would alternate between really really stiff and then it would go to the floor with very very little stopping power...this is not good we have 5 inches of snow so lookin at it is gonna be a pain. Brake fluid full, did not see any leaks coming outta calipers either...Help me please...starting to regret decision of buying a Dodge.....Still love the motor though

 

Mine done the same a couple of weeks ago. Master Cylinder had to be replaced. Just the part was $209 at the local DD.


Good Luck,
CR

 

Don't regret it,I hope you did not say that where she or he could hear you I would guess it is the master cylinder too,people will change brake pads and shoes and go to bleed the air out and will push the pedal down to the floor while bleeding and push the rod farther than normal and will ruin the slave,also most do not ever change out there fluid and it absorbs water,and therefore rust will set in,if you do not have a suction bleeder tool do not let whomever push pedal down to floor,it will not matter to much on the new one,just keep it in mind,be sure to bench bleed the master cylinder,hope this helps and not a vacum problem. Goodluck Rick

 

Just wondering if it is a vaccum problem could the vaccum that works my 4wd also have somthing to do with the brakes?? My 4wd light doesnot come on now and I dont think it engages in 4 hi??? Thanks for the hints guys!!

 

Sounds like you got a vacuum problem. The vac pump itself is usually reliable, but check its rubber hose from the pump to the brake booster. It will probably have a small plastic line teed into it about halfway, which will run up to the firewall, and split off to the heater controls, front axle & t/case, cruise control, and low vacuum switch. Also under the driver side battery, where the cruise servo lives, check the line carefully, as battery acid is known to eat through them. You may have to then crawl under the truck and inspect the vacuum lines that run the 4wd system.
If you have access to a vacuum gauge, it can save a lot of time, isolating parts of the system to find the leak. Normal system vacuum is over 20 inches.
PM me if any further questions.

 

Definately do a vacuum check on the system before you start replacing anything. Eliminate all possibilities before you buy a pump, the sticker on the pump is a real eye opener. Good advice above, I change out brake fluid and power steering fluid every spring.

 

Found hose with one end disconnected under dash, comes through hole in fire wall and behind pedals, but it got dark and I couldnt find where to put it back on at. I ran the truck and the hose had suction. Is this the culprit??? Thanks for all the info!!

 

It'l be the heating or air conditioning probably. I think the controls are vacum operated.

 

[quote author=Sootblower link=board=13;threadid=23325;start=0#msg219444 date=1070772549]
It'l be the heating or air conditioning probably. I think the controls are vacum operated.
[/quote]
Not the controls but the vents. Its for the switching mechanism that controls which vent the air comes out of. Turn your A/C on, if cold air comes out of the defroster vents, then that vac line goes to that system.

 

You were right, it does come out of a thing that controls what vents the air comes out of. Since I bought the truck I have not had defrost, when brakes went out defrost worked but nothing else. When I found where the line had seperated and hooked it back up, heat but no defrost....at least I have brakes now!!

Tom