My manual makes a rattling sound

Maintenance/Repairs
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109

When you think of the terrible things that can happen if your brakes fail why would you even hesitate about putting this thing in the shop ?

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110

It can get to a point where you hit the brakes, and theyā€™re not there.

Tester

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111

Yep, take it to a shop, now.

1 Like
112

Yep like at the scene of the a :roll_eyes:ccident.

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113

Yeah, I have a mechanic friend when he gets some time Iā€™m going tobbring it to his shop

114

Is that what you plan on telling the mother of the 3 year old that you ran over?

My mechanic buddy was busy so I couldnā€™t get my brakes fixed.

2 Likes
115

Weā€™ll I meant some time today

116

@Tester I took it to my buddyā€™s shop and you were correct itā€™s the master cylinder. so Iā€™m going to replace it this week. Iā€™m completely aware of the dangers of driving on brake problems. the question was more towards whether it is safe enough to drive it to the shop and to my house down the road from it. of course, Iā€™m not putting it off until I feel like replacing it. a cheap part replacement is a lot cheaper and stress-free than an accident and a possible manslaughter charge

117

Schedule appointment w/you shop asap and tell them about the brake problem. It does sound like a faulty brake master cylinder, but could be something else, theyā€™ll know more after they do the inspection. Safest to hire a tow truck to take truck to shop. If you elect to drive, make sure to have back-up plan in case brakes fail, for example do you know how (or if it is even possible ) to use parking brake to stop vehicle? Shifting into 1st gear will offer some slowing usually. .

Iā€™ve changed the brake master cylinder on my 50 year old Ford truck probably half a dozen times over the years; I consider it routine maintenance. As soon as the symptom you described occurs, I immediately park the truck and donā€™t drive it until Iā€™ve replaced the MC.

118

yeah, I would hold the parking brake pedals handle and use it as a last-resort brake

119

That is a terrible plan . Since I doubt you have full coverage on this Ranger a 50.00 towing fee will be money well spent . Plus I really donā€™t consider you an experienced driver by the questions you ask .

3 Likes
120

Try that sometime in a BIG, EMPTY parking lot.

Youā€™re in for quite a surprise.

121

Why didnā€™t you leave it there? In as much as you did not know where the MC is located, I doubt you have the knowledge to bench bleed the MC then bleed the brakes.

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123

I did and i replaced my master cylinder now my brakes work great again. the only thing now that Iā€™m slightly concerned about is that when i push 3000 rps in my first 2 gears i hear slight clanking. not sure if its my mounts or something

124

Could be mounts or something in engine compartment, passenger compartment; perhaps something underneath has come loose from its moorings. Loose catyletic converter shields are known to cause this sort of symptom. Does your Ranger use leaf springs in the rear suspension? If so, those can make weird noises when dry . Google how to lube leaf springs.

Congrats on successfully installing a replacement BMC and the bleeding job.

1 Like
125

Did you ever fix your heat shield and check all the exhaust system hangers?
Your engine/transmission mounts may need replacing.