What is your question?
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What is your question?
2004 dodge ram 1500 4.7 liter quad cab 2 wheel drive. replaced front pads , calipers and rotors. have bled the system for 2 hours and no brakes? tried every trick i know and no results. pedal gets hard whe pumping to bleed as soon as i start the truck the pedal goes all the way to the floor. test dive and after using brakes several time pedal gets firm but then will go soft and push to the floor?

3 Replies
When this happens I always clear the ABS computer memory, this takes a scanner. Also, when ever I do work on a new car or truck brake system, you MUST have the key OUT of the ignition and all doors closed, because the ABS system is still partially energized. About once a week in the shop where I work I have to help guys with this type of problem and invariably, they had the key in the ignition. In almost all newer repair manual info for brake work on 2000 and newer cars and truck, it says, emphatically to DISCONNECT the battery negative terminal before doing ANY brake work to prevent this head ache. So do this first ,then suspect other things like a bad master cylinder etc
I think the master cylinder is failing. Sometimes the master has corrosion or debris in the lower part of it's cylinder which doesn't normally get used, so when the piston seal hits the corrosion or debris during the bleeding procedure (when it's pushed to the bottom), it gets damaged and causes this type of problem. You also could have air bound in the ABS unit if you have ABS and the reservoir has been allowed to go dry and suck air. There are sometimes special bleeding procedures for air in the ABS unit. If you want to find a specialist, here's a directory link for you: https://repairpal.com/dodge-repair-in-lafayette-indiana
You stated that "pedal gets hard when pumping to bleed as soon as i start the truck the pedal goes all the way to the floor". If the pedal maintains pedal height and pressure when the engine is off, you master cylinder is probably ok. With a defective master cylinder, the brake pedal will fall away under steady foot pressure and is generally the result of a system leak or fluid contamination. It will just fall at a faster rate with the engine on because of the assist. Internal leakage (seal by-pass) in the master cylinder caused by worn or damaged piston cups, may also be the problem cause. An internal leak in the ABS or RWAL (Rear Wheel Antilock) system may also be the problem with no physical evidence. Keep in mind that the pedal may be spongy until the new brake pads wear in, usually about 200 miles until full contact with the rotor. You can get into almost any vehicle and push the brake pedal almost to the floor with the engine on while in park or neutral, given enough pedal pressure, but try if while the vehicle is moving and you better be holding on.