Hey guys, I hope this isn't a dumb question but I've never owned a truck, just small cars with disc brakes.

Today I test drove a 94 Ranger 4-cyl auto that drove pretty good however when I applied the brakes I could actually hear the rear brakes 'actuating' (if that makes sense). It didn't seem like a bad sound to me...no grinding or anything, just a rather loudish mechanical sound of the brakes engaging. It could be heard rather easily with the window down but was very faint with the cab sealed.

I hope I explained it well, if not please let me know and I will attempt to explain better. I'm hopeful that I an just over reacting to an unfamiliar sound and that its nothing to worry about...

edit: sorry, still new to navigating these forums and just realized that this post may belong in a different section?

let them move it.

no you shouldnt hear the brakes working take off the wheels and find out whats wrong if your not mechanically inclined then go to a shop/dealer

__________________

+1 on not hearing the brakes. where you hearing them grind. was it the front or the rears. I am sure it can be fixed. inho it all depends on the price and condition of the truck

__________________
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).

It wasn't a grinding sound, just like a mechanical sound..almost like I could hear the shoes moving as I pressed the brake pedal. It was the rear brakes only. The truck seemed to brake normal from any speed and the parking brake works. I am having a shop do a full inspection just to be sure. I should know by this time tomorrow. If there is nothing wrong or it is a relatively cheap fix, I'll be driving it home tomorrow night!

The rest of the truck is in decent shape, small amount of rust (it is WI so thats typical on a 16 year old truck). 125k on it. Seats are not original (they are tan, interior is gray) but thats not a big deal. Right now we are working at $1700 for it.

Hopfully it isnt something that will cost you too much. I bought a 94 5-speed about 6 months ago, it also has very slight rust. Althou, being in MN I'd say the rust is very minimal. I paid 1200 for it but had to do some work. Rear breaks, leaf spring holder, and clutch. So I now have about 2000.00 into it, only because I had a shop do the clutc, everything else was done by me. Although some people thin that that might be too much for a 94, it runs fantastic with only 120,500 and I am heppy to have her. I hope you end up with a nice littel truck as well

Well the veh was inspected and they found nothing wrong with the brakes and for the 30 minute drive home I didnt hear the noise so I guess i was over reacting. BTW, i bought it! The inspection showed it needs all 4 shocks replaced, front cab mounts replaced, a small leak from the radiator, and the radius control arm bushings need to be replaced. Dropped the price down to $800 so I said SOLD. I'll be ordering some shocks in a day or two and working on diagnosing the radiator leak. Just thought I would let you guys know.

thats great welcome to the FRF. if you have any questions post them to the correct forums and peeps will help you out.

__________________
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).

Awsome man, have fun with it!

thought I would give you a few suggestions that I have learned while owning a similar truck.
-rockauto.com is a good parts source and it is easy to use
-I would consider draining the tranny and changing the filter on it. parts $35
-I recommend only Motorcraft thermostats in these engines
-I recommend Only motorcraft or autolite double platinum plugs
-I recommend only motorcraft or autolite wires with the pulls on them
-if you had the truck inspected I am sure they checked the real leafspring hangers and shackles
-In the event that you ever need a heater core it is a 20 min and $25 job
-I would recommend you check all "tuneup" parts to see what condition they are in. ESPECIALLY THE FUEL FILTER. A clogged fuel filter can help burnout your pump.
-if your dome light or buzzer acts up spray the door latches with wd-40
-I don't know the procedure but you can check codes on your truck without a scanner, you count the # of times the cel flashes(search is your friend)
-in my signature i have a list of helpful tools. All can be had for about $100 in total(cost of one dealer diagnostic session) at a place like harbor freight tools
-I would suggest that if you are doing any repairs that you are not positive about. go to the appropriate forum and post a thread.
GOOD LUCK WITH IT!!!!!!

__________________
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).