Brake fade

2005 FORD FALCON
25,000,000 MILES • 4.3L • 6 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DESW
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The brake pedal on my BA Falcon wagon has gone soft and will push to the floor even after having been pumped up 2 or 3 times. The brakes are still working effectively but the brake pedal will still push to the floor with a steady, even (not hard) pressure. I have had it to a mechanic who has (1) replaced the master cylinder 3 times with a second hand unit and then with a new unit , (2) replaced the ABS unit with another second hand unit, (3) replaced the vacuum brake booster unit with a 2nd hand unit; bled the brake system several times and states that there are definitely no brake fluid leaks and could not detect any air leaks in the system. He states that the brake hoses appear to be in good condition. He has given up and states that he does not know what is causing the brake pedal fade. Perhaps you could suggest some further course of action?
Thanking you,
Des
Jul 25, 2019 at 12:21 AM
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STRAILER
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Hello,

With the ABS did you bleed the system using a scan tool to open the valves? if not this is your problem. Here is a guide to help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-pedal-goes-to-the-floor

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-bleed-or-flush-a-car-brake-system

Please run down this guide and report back.
Jul 27, 2019 at 12:41 PM
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DESW
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Ken,

Thanks for your suggestion re bleeding the ABS unit. I took this to my mechanic but he first wants to try another second hand ABS unit just in case the first replacement ABS unit was defective in some way. I will update you on how this goes. I mentioned to him about bleeding the ABS unit with a scan tool but he doesn't think this can be used on the older BA Falcons (2005 model).
Des
Aug 7, 2019 at 10:49 PM
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STRAILER
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Okay good, please let me know if that fixes it. ;)
Aug 8, 2019 at 10:10 AM
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DESW
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Ken,

The ABS unit was replaced today and this has fixed the problem. The brake pedal is now firm and operating correctly. Thanks for your hint on fixing the problem.
Des
Aug 13, 2019 at 10:08 PM
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STRAILER
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Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Aug 14, 2019 at 11:06 AM