1992 Other Ford Models Low pressure brake performance

1992 FORD
180,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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TELSTAR
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  • 1 POST
I have replaced the master cylinder with a second hand version as the old one was leaking. I bled the master cylinder on the bench and then installed it and bled the wheels.

When I brake hard the brakes work fine, however when rolling to a stop and when the brakes are applied gently the peddle goes half way to the floor and the brakes don't work as well.

There are no leaks in the system. There was some murky brown stuff in the second hand master cylinder, I cleaned out as much as possible prior to installation but there were still some small flakes in there.

The cap states "use only DOT 3 fluid" and I have used DOT 4 fluid - will this contribute to the problem?
Jul 24, 2008 at 10:50 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,123 POSTS
Should have cleaned it out thoroughly.

Dot 3 is superceded by dot 4, so no problem. Dot5 however is synthetic and will cause problems.

Try bleeding the whole system and flush it out completley, adjust the rear shoes and test drive.
Jul 25, 2008 at 12:42 AM
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