I have a 99 F150 with very touchy back brakes. They skid if I apply the brakes slightly harder than usual. Once I was slowing on a curve and the truck fishtailed when I braked, so this is not good. The ABS is not working but I think the brakes have some other problem. Any ideas?

 

Do you have the rear drum brakes on your '99? The rear drums on my '99 are very sensitive on first use when the truck is cold. Never a problem when I leave the house as I live on a hill and I'm on the brakes as soon as I start moving. When I leave work however, I have to be very careful not to have the rear brakes lock when I roll up to the first Stop sign at 5 mph. I have never experienced the sensitive rear brakes any time other than the first stop when the truck is cold.

I vaguely remember reading on this site about this being a known problem (possibly a recall?)... I think changing the pads fixed the problem. I never looked into it as it only happens on that first cold slow speed stop.

 

Check the parking brake cables and mechanism. That is what the problem was on my 94 when I bought it used with 35k miles on it.

 

You have to pull the rear drums or discs off the see if there is any leakage on the linings that causes grabbing.
If the linings are soaked with lube or brake fluid, they need to be replaced.
Next, the system is set up for bias to reduced fluid pressure to the rear from the master cylinder.
Has anything been done to alter that relationship?
Next, is there a 'lack' of braking in the front?
If the ABS has the fronts restricted in fluid pressure, that will cause same actions as above.
It is all a matter of balance against weight and traction in a non faulted system.
If it's that bad, don't use the truck until it's repaired.
Your asking to wreck the truck, get hurt or hurt others beside being liable for knowing the brakes are faulty.
Good luck.

 

Have you/how long ago have you replaced your shocks?

Sounds like the front has no dampening and the rear has no rebound to keep the wheels on the ground.

Just a thought.

 

I think this video shows you how to clean up the emergency brake mechanism.

 

Thanks everyone, will review each idea and try it out. The truck has drum brakes on the rear. I'm thinking it may be the parking brake cables

 

I would inspect everything with the brakes and make sure its all good. If everything checks out I'd replace the proportioning valve.

 

I think the inop ABS may have something to do with it.........

 

I have seen Cheap reman brake shoes do this and also brake fliud leakage on the shoes too. weak springs will do it too.