Brake Problems on E-350 Box Truck

[Rotarydave]

I have a '95 Ford E-350 Dually with a 20' box that hasn't been driven much in the past 4 years. Last week, the front brakes seemed to be acting up more than normal( they usually pulsated some.) During braking, they would pulsate harshly, get very hot, smell of brake dust, and screech some. So, I replaced the front rotors and wheel bearings but the front pads had plenty of life left. Although, I did notice some small stress cracks on the pads. I checked the shoes and drums(didn't check for out of round though) on the rear and they too looked fine. After the repairs, the truck did much the same as before the new parts

. Are the rear brakes not working enough, meaning the proportioning valve is malfunctioning? I'm going to change the brake fluid tomorrow and see what happens. The brakes aren't dragging and it does stop better. Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you for your time. David

 

[Quest]

Have you check for stuck/seized front brake caliper? How about flushing/purging the brake system (if you've never service that before)?

 

[mechtech2]

After sitting awhile, rotors or drums will get rust in their static positions. You will feel a pulsation that may not go away.
I am very familiar with 'garage queens'.

 

[74DartSport]

I serviced a fleet of E350. I would confirm the calipers are free. When the shocks were worn out, it overworked the front brakes, wearing them out in under 7K miles. Went to changing the shocks every 40K; brakes and ball joints lasted longer.

 

[Rotarydave]

I installed reman calipers and flushed the brake fluid and the overheating problem was fixed. Now, it needs new rear drums and lower ball joints.