I just bought a 97 half ton extended cab f150, but have a question about the brakes. When you first press the pedal down if feels like a sponge until you get half way down or so and then you start feeling pressure. The brakes all good all the way around. Is this the way they normally work or might they need bled? I've never had brakes that felt like a sponge when pushing the petal and then start feeling ok at the half way point.

 

If your master cylinder is full then it might be that the rear brake shoes need a little adjusting and the might need bled at the same time

 

i too have a 97 extended cab and my brake peddle have a lot of travel in it. i have had the brakes pads and shoes replaced and have had two other shops look at the brakes and they cant find anything wrong. they just say that is the way they are. as long as it is stopping the truck there is no need to worry. you will get used to it after a while. hope this helps you out.

 

Yes the master cylinder is full. I have owned 10 other cars and have driven all types of cars and trucks, but have never had a sponge pedal on any vehicle. It does stop me, but it just doesn't feel right, but maybe it's just me. I'd love to get other feedback from those who have this type of truck and see if it's every truck like this make, year and model or not. Thanks for those that have responded so far. I appreciate it.

 

Most times the pads get replaced the rotors should be trued because the rotors develop a taper and that causes the pads to make partial contact instead of full contact with the rotor giving soft pedal feel. The same goes for when the rear shoes are replaced it takes some time for the shoes to make full contact with the inside of the drum and of course they should be kept in adjustment with a few quick stops both forward and backing up to allow the self adjusters to adjust when they are installed properly.