How do i idnentify which braking system i have on a 1989 ford f250 with a 460? is it conventional or hydraboost?

There s a spring inside the hydraboost unit to push the pedal back. Sounds like it has broken. Most likely going to have to replace the whole unit.

Remove the ABS Motor fuse,
as long as the HCU is open, you have
conventional brakes, until a wheel speed
sensor turns them on


Lot of work -- but you could replumb the brake tubing

I think the ABS brake control system is defective.

Yes could be a hose to your power steering or a leak some where's. your brake work off of your power steering pump because your truck has a hydraboost and not a brake booster that work's off of vacum, so if it's low on power steering fluid the brakes will not work, to check add fluid to the pump and have some one turn the wheel all the way and hold while you check for leak's, hope this was very helpful,good luck

Double check to make sure that the alternator they installed is the correct one for the vehicle. Also hopefully someone load tested the battery before condemning the alternator. The wiring behind the alternator should be inspected for corrosion and looseness.
With regards to brake lite, either there is something wrong with the system or the warning lite switch is grounding out. Either way its serious A technician should inspect the conventional brake system for leaks and wear.

Yea I worked for Ford and have seen this before. Your pump is cavatating. It has air somewhere in the system. Ford pumps are known for being noisy. To get the air out correctly you have to jack the front tires off the ground and while the engine is on turn the steering back and fourth with the cap of the pump. You need to get a small bottle of Fords Friction Modifier and put it in this pump after you get the air out. If your truck has Hydraboost steering then the hydraboost could have a bad seal init allowing the pressure to go backwards through the system. The Hydraboost system is easy to distinguish because it has hoses that go up and attach to the brake booster system. Some trucks came with these and some did not. Hope this helped.

It has a hydraboost brake booster right? Sounds like a bad Power steering pump. The belt is still on it right?

Hi jcallihan. If your truck doesnt have hydraboost then the problem will be a bad vacuum pump. This pump is located to the drivers side of the engine just below the a/c compressor. It looks similar to a mushroom and is belt driven. This may look ok but if the diaphram is busted inside it will not create vacuum for the brakes to work properly.

There are a Couple of Different Variations on the Boosters. Make sure that you have the Correct one First. If you do, Just work it, Some of the Rods are Removeable by the Way.

I would think the power brake booster has failed, do u hear any hissing when u press the brake pedal?