I have a 2000 Ranger, 2 WD 4 Cyl. Bought it new with 12 miles on it and have driven nearly all of them to get to its current 115,750 miles. I drive about 25 miles a day, 60% highway. Generally it's been great but over the last year I've had a problem I have yet to get resolved that is forcing me to look at replacing it. Replaced all 4 tires 4 months ago with 60K miles Firestone's.

I had the rear drums and pads replaced last year and they initially seemed ok, just tight. After a week, they started squeaking and started grabbing when braking. It also seemed like the brakes wouldn't let go when switching from brake to gas, like it took 2-3 seconds before they'd release.

Sorry I'm not very good at explaining this but I'll try.
The rear brakes feel like they have a high spot so when braking, it grabs constantly which causes pulsing in the pedal. When it gets bad, it really grabs hard and causes the entire truck to vibrate. Braking on the highway is scary as hell.

I took it back, they said the rear drums were white hot, something wrong so they replaced the rear drums again. A week later, the problem returns. Gave them another shot at fixing only to have the same problem.

So off and on over a few months the problem gets worse. The new place replaces the rear drums and pads. Problem starts up again a week later. They look and say the drums are out of round and replace them again all the while saying it's something I must be doing.

They're throwing their hands up now saying they can't do anything more that I'm going to have to go to the dealer/elsewhere.

I'm reluctant to just keep throwing money at this without getting any closer to a fix so I humbly turn to you for some advice.

One other thing that no one has been able to pin down. When braking, if I hit a bump, there is a loud clanging noise, almost like something is loose. I don't think I have ABS(honestly not sure) and have never driven a car with ABS to know what that experience is.

Ideas?

Thanks!

Maybe take it to another place just to see what they say.

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2002 - XLT, 4.0L, 4x4

3" BL, 295 Nitto Terra Grapplers

K&N FIPK, Dual exhaust

I wasn't particularly clear in my original message but I'm on my second place now. I'm thinking of just dropping it at the dealership and letting them look at it but again I hate to do it without any inkling what they are going to find or any direction I can provide them to prevent this from costing me a fortune.

Thanks.

I had a similar problem with my '98 4x4. Just curious - do you also have some vibration/shimmy in the rear end at highway speeds? My problem ended up being a defective axle shaft. The (pardon the lack of tech terms here) hub flange where the lug bolts are was centered on the axle, but it was crooked, like a hat tilted slightly to the side. That had the brake drum and the rim sitting crooked too. Found an axle at a local scrap yard ($35) and swapped it out. Problem solved. Hard axle to find, though. Hope it helps.

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Bears mate for life!

Lord, let my last thought never be, "I wish I had my gun!"

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. - Proverbs 29:2

The thread is 2.5 years old. The OP was obviously a troll. For future members reading this I guarantee his problem was his e-brake cables were toast. $30 for the parts.

1999, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 145k. (Sent from my DROID BIONIC using FRF App)

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).