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Brakes being weird

H20rider

Jr. Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2021
Messages
106
‘68 bronco
Pore steering
Power disc brakes all around.
Good brake pads
Front wheels spin with equal force and no scraping.
Recently aligned
Brake pedal is solid with no mush or excessive travel.
No visible seepage on caliper seals, etc., although these was a minor leak at the right banjo….when tightened down, leak stopped.
No visible hose kinks or crimps in the stainless lines.
Note— When trying to firm up the ebrake, the right side rear wheel grabs harder than the left.


Truck pulls moderately to left with brakes applied.
I tried stopping with only the ebrake, and truck pulls moderately to the right( opposite of the foot brake pull.is applied.
Cursory inspections by brake shops (who are wary about even looking at my truck due to its age) is “replace rotors and calipers to see if that helps.”
Before just throwing money at the problem just to see if it helps, I’d rather understand why this is occurring and possibly fix the issue.
Ideas?
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
37,065
100 possible versions of disk brake swaps. What parts are you running with?
All I know is what you have is not stock. Since a '68 would be 4-wheel drums.
 
OP
OP
H20rider

H20rider

Jr. Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2021
Messages
106
I didn’t put the calipers and rotors in, but they look like the Tom’s conversion. Single pistons all around. E brake uses the single pistons.
 

ntsqd

heratic car camper
Joined
Jan 30, 2005
Messages
5,953
Loc.
Upper SoKA
Can you post some pictures? We shouldn't have any trouble identifying what you have from those.
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
51,616
The uneven parking brake application explains, or at least partially explains, the light pull to the right when just using the parking brake.

Have all the soft brake hoses been replaced? If so, what type were used?
Have the wheel bearings been serviced since the front brake install? Were they serviced and adjusted properly during the brake install?
You said you didn’t do it, so you wouldn’t know that particular detail. But you would know if you have driven it much and when this pull started.
Do you know if the rear axle bearings have ever been changed?
Do you know how old the tires are?
Have you checked air pressures in all four tires, but the front specifically to make sure they are even?
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
H20rider

H20rider

Jr. Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2021
Messages
106
The uneven parking brake application explains, or at least partially explains, the light pole to the right when just using the parking brake.

Have all the soft brake hoses been replaced? If so, what type were used?
Have the wheel bearings been serviced since the front brake install? Were they serviced and adjusted properly during the brake install?
You said you didn’t do it, so you wouldn’t know that particular detail. But you would know if you have driven it much and when this pull started.
Do you know if the rear axle bearings have ever been changed?
Do you know how old the tires are?
Have you checked air pressures in all four tires, but the front specifically to make sure they are even?
Good points. I will pursue those. Thank you.
The front have steel wound hoses. Rubber in the back.
The tires are a few years old and in good shape.
 

Steve Tool

New Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2021
Messages
22
Loc.
Ferriday
I'm having touble with my '74 Bronco. I installed the front disc brakes with power booster from Tom's offroad last July, everything installed and has been fine however last week when I went for a spin the brake pedal went to the floor and I had siltch for brakes, luckily i was on a back country road where I rolled to stop and later came back and trailered her home, I contacted a tech at Tom's offroad and talked it over and we both are looking at a possible failed master cylinder, the great thing about Tom's offroad is they warranty their parts and will work with you. However, I had another truck do what you are describing when braking and found that my front tires were wearing unevenly and air pressure was off 7 psi, hope this might help you.
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
51,616
Good add, Steve. Thanks for relating your experience.
 
OP
OP
H20rider

H20rider

Jr. Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2021
Messages
106
I'm having touble with my '74 Bronco. I installed the front disc brakes with power booster from Tom's offroad last July, everything installed and has been fine however last week when I went for a spin the brake pedal went to the floor and I had siltch for brakes, luckily i was on a back country road where I rolled to stop and later came back and trailered her home, I contacted a tech at Tom's offroad and talked it over and we both are looking at a possible failed master cylinder, the great thing about Tom's offroad is they warranty their parts and will work with you. However, I had another truck do what you are describing when braking and found that my front tires were wearing unevenly and air pressure was off 7 psi, hope this might help you.
Thanks, Steve. I’m going to do some ire switching. :)
 
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