1990 Ford Aerostar no brakes

1990 FORD AEROSTAR
83,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
STEVENSEAMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I am disabled and have been since oct 2003 and am just starting to get around a little and a local sign company gave me their old ford aerostar van. It had been sitting for 3 years and I was able to get it running but the brakes were real soft, I had to put them to the floor to stop. I added fluid and after 2 days the brakes got worse I was driving to the doctor and when I went to stop at a light the pedal went all the way to the floor and didnot even slow me down. The brake light came on and rear anti-lock light came on also. I was able to avoid a collition by applying the emergency brake. I had a friend bleed the front brakes but it didnot help at all so now I am back to begging rides to my weekly doctors appointments.
Can anyone tell me what I should check first, I have very litle income so cannot take the chance of someone ripping me off.
Help please
Mar 18, 2008 at 7:46 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,123 POSTS
Add fluid and look underneath for a leak. MAybe anywhere front to rear or in the brake drum area.

The tough part is that the where the leak may be, may be not able to be repaired in that one small area. This has the potential to be an expensive repair.
Mar 18, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Avatar
STEVENSEAMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the quick reply!
I checked that and there does not seem to be a leak, I had my helper looking underneath while I applied breaks and did not see any drips and there was no puddles when I moved it. also fluiid level looks the same. maybe I better wait untill tax refund that Pressident signed gets here and hope for an honest repair shop.
Thanks again for the quick reply and if you have anyother sugestions let me know and I will try them
Mar 18, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,123 POSTS
NExt spot to look is going to be in the rear drums. OFten you will see some fluid that has spun onto to inside of the sidewalls on the rear tiresor at the bottom of the backing plate where the drum meets it.
Mar 18, 2008 at 12:24 PM