My 2000 Ranger 3.0 is having a problem with the brakes. When it's wet or cold outside and the truck has set for a while, the brakes will lock up when you first step on them a few times. after you've goen a little ways the probem oges away. Anybody know what the problem is?

 

which brakes are locking up? front or rear?? do you have disc or drum rear?

 

It's the front discs

 

I had that problem with my 90. I had to replace the calipers. The truck was my great uncles, and he hadn't driven it for 7 months. His wife would start it, but not drive it. I was told that if it sits awhile that moister gets on the pistons and can cause rust and then they will stick. Mine stuck real well, and when I got off the road, nice red glowing breaks.

 

my right front has done that ever since it was new, but only when it is rainy/wet and a few times in the snow. was told be the dealer that it is common with these trucks. when mine does it, it only acts weird for the first couple times I use the brakes, then its fine. I have went through the brakes and found nothing.

 

depending on how much work you want to do, you can buy a rebuild kit and clean the calipers and reuse them if not bad either way you have to disconnect the brake lines and bleed them afterwards, save you some money

 

your problem is fords little mistake you cant fix it because its there pistons in the calipers they are to big and like to press on the brakes even when the breaks arent being applied as josser said your best bet would be to go and get a rebuild kit for your calipers but dont forget to check your rear drums they tend to like to stick with the abs its just what they do so look at them carefully and see if you can figure something out
good luck

 

I do not believe the pistons are oversized and they do not apply any pressure to the pads unless my foot is on the pedal. the problem is when you hit the brakes the first time or too, not any other time. My 1994 s-10 also did this exact same thing, only much worse. I could hit the brakes and the right front just locked up instantly, after 2-3 minutes of driving it was perfect, like nothing ever happend. oversized pistons would not cause this, they would probably give you less braking being more pressure would be needed to move the piston with more resistance.