To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Question about Dodge ram brakes allowed?

H

Hchrist

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 8, 2016
Messages
99
Location
S.E. NC
If this forum doesn't encourage car repair questions please feel free to delete this post.
I have a 2004 Dodge diesel ram 3500. A few weeks ago I got into it and the brake pedal felt higher than before. My son had to drive it one day while I did the brakes and steering boot on his Subaru. I can't imagine he did anything that would affect the brakes but figured I'd mention this. Fwiw I use reverse often enough IF the self adjusting topic comes up. Anyway the pedal has always been nice and high but now it is braking with very little travel. I have always done my own repairs but this is a first for me. I am not a professional mechanic and am looking for advice from those that are if I may.
The truck is all disk and is a 2X4.
I purchased a set of caliper rebuild kits thinking one of the front calipers may be hanging up. I've experienced this a couple of times but there is no drag on the front wheels???
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

Galaxy S4, Slimkat
If I wasn't married I'd quit fishing :)
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
C

cre73

Well-known member
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
868
Location
Central Illinois
Mine does this every once in a while. Kinda weird but never thought anything of it as the pedal returns to normal after a little bit. 2003 Ram 2500 4X4

Never knew automotive questions were frowned upon. Huh learned something new.
 
P

padroo

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 25, 2011
Messages
564
Location
Chesterton, In.
Do those trucks have one of those pedays that you put your toe under and lift to adjust brake travel. I had a car like that once, it had a ratchet setup built into the brake pedal.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
H

Hchrist

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 8, 2016
Messages
99
Location
S.E. NC
The pedal isn't adjustable as far as I know. This would really surprise me if it was.
It stops straight. It seems that the stopping power isn't what it was before but that is likely just my mind playing tricks. The loss (or not) of stopping power wasn't apparent at first. It is something I just recently noticed, or made up?[emoji16]
Thanks for these tips!

Galaxy S4, Slimkat
If I wasn't married I'd quit fishing :)
 
G

GTA Matt

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
Messages
3,148
Location
Zebulon, NC
How is steering assist? Still the same as before? If you push down on the pedal, then start it, can you feel a noticeable change? Sounds like you could be having a hydroboost problem.
 
C

Chilliwack Murray

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2012
Messages
1,506
Location
Chilliwack BC
Check the vent on the power steering reservoir. It it's blocked (and they usually are) the pedal will be slow to return and eventually not return all the way.

These are hydraulic assist brakes and use power steering pump for hydraulic power.
 
OP
H

Hchrist

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 8, 2016
Messages
99
Location
S.E. NC
I've come across the PS brake assist issue while reading Internet info but mine has no PS issues. The normal pedal height has not changed. I would absolutely notice that.
The pedal is also normal while starting.
Still scratching my head. Maybe it's something I'll just get accustomed to until the underlying problem, IF there is one, presents itself.
Today I needed to move the truck maybe 3 feet and I was on the slightest of inclines. I put it in N and the truck rolled right back. This surprised me because the truck is heavy and I had a large amount of weight in the bed. Still rolled easily???

Galaxy S4, Slimkat
If I wasn't married I'd quit fishing :)
 
C

Chilliwack Murray

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2012
Messages
1,506
Location
Chilliwack BC
I have no power steering issues but a couple times a year I have to clean the vent as the pedal returns slower and slower.

If it's not a venting issue it's more likely an issue with the booster since the master cylinder can't really push directly back to the pedal against the booster if there is a valve issue.

One way to check that last thought may be to pry the calipers open sightly and see if that raises the pedal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom