The brake pedal will depress all on its own

RANBRO

MEMBER
1997 FORD RANGER
3.4L
V6
2WD
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

While driving I will press the clutch to shift gears and while doing this the brake pedal will depress all on its own. Not much but enough to engage the brakes slightly. I then pull the brake pedal back up with my foot after changing gears and there is a clicking sound like winding an old watch.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

Chances are the bushings are bad. The clutch pedal and brake pedal are attached to the same shaft.

What I suggest is to take it apart, inspect the bushings, and replace if needed. Here are the directions. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the clutch master cylinder push rod by prying the retainer bushing and push rod off pedal pin.
2. Remove left side plastic cowl side panel.
3. Remove bolts securing parking brake mechanism. Swing mechanism out of the way.
4. Remove the retainer ring.
5. Remove the clutch pedal from pedal support bracket.

NOTE: When the clutch pedal shaft is removed from the bracket, the brake pedal, brake and clutch pedal bushings and spring washer become accessible.

INSTALLATION
1. Install clutch pedal shaft through clutch and brake pedal support, brake and clutch pedal bushings, brake pedal and washers (as shown).

NOTE: Before installation of the clutch pedal shaft or clutch pedal, remove and inspect the brake and clutch pedal bushings, clean and lubricate with a light film of SAE 30 engine oil or equivalent and replace the brake and clutch pedal bushings if excessive wear is evident.

2. Install retainer ring.
3. Install clutch master cylinder push rod to pedal pin.
4. Secure parking brake mechanism.
5. Attach left side plastic kick panel.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.

Image (Click to make bigger)