Brent, you are a lifesaver!
Everything you have suggested makes perfect sense -- I wonder why the dealer didn't suggest it! The irony of it is that when I got into the truck this morning (with my former thoughts still in my head), it did it again -- this time while I was attempting to leave my driveway (thank goodness)!! When this happens, initially the brake pedal is "hard as a rock," and the brakes eventually engage "hesitantly" after a few pumps, so the "moisture in the system" suggestion makes perfect sense. The dilemma, however, is that you do not always have time for those extra pumps of the brake pedal b/4 that 18-wheeler comes to get ya or that kid darts out in front of the truck!
The dealer told me they left the truck outside overnight and the temperature was, in fact, below freezing. They indicated that they drove the car for a while with no incident, i.e., they were unable to duplicate the condition.
I am going to take your advice and have the system flushed, as well as replace the cap and check out those other brake elements, as you have suggested. Hopefully, that will fix the problem and give me some peace of mind. I will let you know how I make out.
Thanks again, Brent!
- Lydia
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Originally Posted by OffroadX
Does the pedal move and then resist normally when you press it, or does it not move at all?
What did the shop and the dealer investigate? Did you leave the vehicle outside overnight with them when it was "frigid cold" outside so they could test it under the same conditions first thing in the morning before the temps went up? A heated indoor shop bay or a warmed-up vehicle that has had time for the engine to heat up nearby brake components do not duplicate the conditions, and they would not be able to duplicate the problem.
That said, I bet you have a fair bit of moisture or even a small volume of water somewhere in your brake system that is freezing solid and not allowing the brakes to operate. I'd start with a complete brake system flush and refill with fresh Castrol LMA brake fluid (LMA = low moisture absorption), plus checking or replacing the fluid reservoir cap just to eliminate the obvious potential avenue for moisture to enter the system. An inspection of the dust boots at the wheel cylinders would be prudent as well. Come to think of it, if there has been a volume of water freezing inside the master cylinder, the expansion could have damaged something that could lead to further problems later on, so if it is suspected to have had ice in it, it should be checked out as well.
Brent
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