I have a 1987 4x4 pickup. I have just replaced the brake pads (front and rear), and the rear cylinder pumps. I also have bled the brakes quite a few times. When i press the brake pedal, the first pump goes down, then the pumps following it gets harder and the third one stays the same as the 2nd pump. I also bled the master cylinder... what is the problem here?????? i have also tested the brake booster and it seems good. I am out to succeed in having a truck with brakes some day becuase the 2 i have had in the past had none either.

please help...

 

Have you bled the rear proportioning valve? I believe the proper order for bleeding is right rear, left rear, right front, left front, then proportioning valve.

Also, when you bled them, did you watch the master cylinder and top it off each time you pumped fluid out? If it drops too low while you're bleeding it will take in air.

EDIT: I just thought of this. SInce you did your rear brakes, did you make sure to adjust the shoes so that they're close to the drums? You can reach in through the backing plate with a screwdriver and adjust them out, or try pulling the parking brake a few times to see if that helps. If they aren't adjusted right then the pedal will feel soft because the shoes are moving out towards the drums but never actually pressing up against them.

 

Also, check out this thread.

 

that was exactly what i was thinking, i know from experience with dirtbikes that when the pads arent rubbing its squishy the first time. I believe that you are right about adjusting the pads, but just for the heck of it, where is the proportioning valve just so i know for future reverence. I will let you know how i made out later on today.

thanks!

 

Sounds like an adjustment is needed. The valve is on the body, right above the rear axle (has a lever that goes to the rear axle)