'98 windstar brake problem

We have a '98 Ford Windstar and have recently noticed a problem with a very low break and poor stopping ability. Non of the break warning lights come on to indicate a problem with the Anti-Lock Brakes. The master cylindre has been replaced, without results, and the hydraulic brake system has been bled in the correct way (we've been told). '

The technicians don't have a clue what the problem may be, and we are getting a bit desperate, as everybody seems to be scratching their heads in amazement. Please help!

Are you dealing with a Ford service center?

Are you dealing with a Ford service center?

Yes, we are (in Sweden).

Just checking but did the van stop better before or when you got it. I only ask this because if you are use to a car stopping better than the van I will say there will be a noticable differance.But if the van did better before than you may have a problem with the equalizing vavle.They are rare to go out but if its sending most of the fluid to the rear it will not stop well.I have seen were rotors were replced but the mechanic not clean the rotors off because they usally spray a oil coating over them when packed and must be cleaned before install. If they did not then your problem may be there or the equilizing valve.Also check all lines front rear top bottom hard line and flex hoses somtimes one can be kinked from bottoming out or if you may ran over somthing and not remember it. Also they need to run a test on the vacuum booster if they have not all ready. Keep us posted if they fine your problem. There may be another problem ford wont let out.

Apparently, they have run a test on the vacuum booster. They are also looking to change the master cylindre again as the one they used last time was not the original part. For some reason, they seem to have great difficulty with getting the right cylindre. Five or six times they have received the wrong one when ordering it (I think from Germany).

We'll talk to them about the things you mentioned (just have to translate a few things into Swedish first , and yes we will keep you posted. Thank you.

Ford cannot find what the problem is and now want to change the entire ABS system, for a lot of money. Can this be the only solution?

I would proceed with caution. The brakes should be repairable and made functional ... even without the ABS feature. Are the brakes functional at all?

Do the brakes work, but just without the ABS feature? Do the brakes work fairly well at low speed on dry surfaces?

If you get a maintained ABS brake light of any kind, I would expect a code is being generated. This code should be retreivable over the same connector that the OBDll codes are retreived. (Or at least this is true for the '99). The code is special and requires more than just an OBDll reader. Do you have such a light? Has the code been read?

I sent you a private message. Did you get it?

I would still have them checking the pressure control valve. it balances the front and rear braking under certin braking conditions. I refered to it as the equilizing valve because that what I usally call it and a proportion valve.On your van it should be located on the drivers side frame rail near the fuel filter. I would not think the abs system would cause your problem.Brakes are one of my strong points.I do alot of brake work on the side.Out of all the brakes I have done, only twice was it the pressure control valve and that acted kinda like your problem except I was getting very little pressure to the front brakes and had me stumpted for a while.It can be an exspensive part so if they have a way to test it that would be good.It was 74.00 for a jeep and 275.00 for a car I once did. But it is rare for them to go out.. Gary

Sorry, I didn't see your private message before. The master cylindre has been replaced again. This time it fitted, but the problem wasn't solved.

Yes, the brakes work fairly well. We drove the car for quite a while, while we were waiting for the correct master cylindre to come through. We don't get an ABS light at all, which is another reason why I question the decision to change this feature.

Gary, I asked them about the pressure control valve, and they said they've checked it.

They've changed the ABS feature, and it seems to be working alright. But the amount of money we spent on the work is sickening.

Thanks for all your advice.