I've got a recurring problem with my 2002 Ram 2500 CTD, where sometimes the brakes just don't seem to grab, to where I have to really put my foot down to stop it. So far it's only happened at slow speeds, and it happens out of the blue. For example today I probably drove about 50 miles total, no problem, back home, then at the end of my driveway rolling < 5 MPH or so, it happened.

In a way it feels like the ABS has kicked in and it's grabbing and releasing, but the ABS light isn't on so I guess that means there's no codes. I don't hear the pucka-pucka-pucka sound that usually happens when the ABS is active either.

Another way to describe it would be that it feels like the rotors are glazed up, to where the brakes activate but don't stop, but it doesn't happen every time so I'm unsure if that could be it. 99 times out of 100, the brakes work fine. Also, the pads are good on all four wheels.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any tips/comments on what could be going on are appreciated.

What does a CTD use for power brakes?

Good question - I googled it and apparently the power steering pump provides fluid to a hydroboost gadget. Hydroboost comes after the steering gear box, so if it was the PS pump going bad, I'd notice it in the steering first.

That could be it since it's only happened at low speeds. If it's running down the road it's built pressure so things work. No oil under the truck indicating a leak. Will look at it tomorrow and read up on it tonight.

Thanks

Sounds like a failing master cylinder.
Try this: ease into the pedal slowly and smoothly, does it seem to have excess travel? Then compare to a quick hard hit, does the pedal travel as far before getting firm? If step one is yes and step two is no then the master is most likely bypassing.

They use lip seals and the slow push doesn't force the seal to expand, the fast push does hence the better pedal on a quick hit.

The pedal feels and travels like it always has, the truck just won't stop. If I push harder, it does.

Was the p/s fluid ok?

I just checked the PS fluid (like to never found it), motor off and cold the fluid isn't on the stick at all, I can see the fluid down in the pump so it's not dry but nowhere near the level it should be.

Sounds like you have found your problem with the low fluid, now all you have to do is find out why its low.

Also, I think I would check the power steering tension. At the low speeds the pump is supplying the power steering, but may not fully be supplying the brake boost. The belt could be slipping.

You could also have glazed brake pads, there may be plenty of lining left, but if the surface is hardened, the brakes will suck, low speeds will be the first place it shows up. Gene

PS coolers like to rot on this generation of truck.

Thanks for all the tips.

I looked around for leaks and noticed a lot of grime under the truck in the area around the PS pump, but the concrete under it is dry and clean and always has been. OTOH, a tiny leak could add up over a 13 year time span. I'll definitely look at the cooler and also check it out with the motor running.

I'll fill the fluid, and if it turns out to be something more I'll update this thread with questions.

Thanks again

You may want to check the condition of the fluid. It may be a good time to change it out for some new fluid.

Good idea I'll get a longer dipstick to stick in there and check that out before I add any new fluid. Should be OK though, truck is hardly used at all and definitely isn't used hard.

FWIW, I filled the PS but the brakes still act up