Any tips for replacing drum brakes?

VinnyBoges · #1 02-05-2012, 07:25 AM

i just ordered the drums and shoes to replace the rear brakes on my 2005 XLT ranger. Does anyone have any advice or helpful tips for me?

The job seams like a pain, but manageable. A concern i have is properly adjusting my brakes once i have replaced the shoes. well see how it goes!

thanks everyone!

03RangerFX4 · #2 02-05-2012, 07:28 AM

Take a part one side at a time so you can use one side as a reference incase you get lost in the middle of the brake job!!!

FireRanger · #3 02-05-2012, 07:42 AM

When my rear brakes expired, they were about 8 years old with 117,000 miles on them. They did not go willingly or quietly. Besides the normal replacement parts, they also required a torch and an air hammer. They were removed in pieces. So you may want to plan on some additional "persuasion" and a few extra beers.

elplayero75 · #4 02-05-2012, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireRanger

When my rear brakes expired, they were about 8 years old with 117,000 miles on them. They did not go willingly or quietly. Besides the normal replacement parts, they also required a torch and an air hammer. They were removed in pieces. So you may want to plan on some additional "persuasion" and a few extra beers.

Lmao.

bluerang3r · #5 02-05-2012, 10:39 AM

take a pic of the springs in place before you start so you dont get lost... also get some grease for the drums some places need the grease after your done. and since your pulling everything apart and replacing it. you should have added all new springs and pins.. its a kit for like 10 bucks.. i always replace the springs with new shoes.. and there are some tools that can help you get the springs and pins out.. any auto part store should have them.. also a can of brakleen to get rid of all the dust. and a rubber mallet. never had to use a torch(makes me wonder why).. but adjusting the brakes arent hard.. there is a sproket in drum(you will see it) but thats your adjuster.. and when your done get a screwdriver and put the drum on and behind the rear brake there is a hole where you can see the sproket for the adjustment.. and move the sproket until the shoes touch the drum... hope that helps......

P.S. if more adjustment is needed for anything.. just drive in reverse and hit the brakes.. its a auto adjuster for small adjustments.. and keeps the shoes from uneven wear.

FireRanger · #6 02-05-2012, 10:49 AM

The drums wouldn't come off.

[Sent with the FRF Android App. So people can hate me even when I'm not at my desk!]

VinnyBoges · #7 02-05-2012, 01:09 PM

thanks for all of the tips everyone. it should be a good learning experience...
ill post the results when im done

bmwrich · #8 02-05-2012, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinnyBoges

thanks for all of the tips everyone. it should be a good learning experience...
ill post the results when im done

Don't forget to buy the "Spring Kit"....
Even tho you might get lucky removing all the springs,there is a good possibility of one of them breaking while trying to remove. Especially the spring that holds the shoe with the pin.
The spring kit is "cheap insurance"....
Don't forget to put some(little bit) grease (white lithum) on the "backing plate" where the shoes rest. Three little flat spots (each shoe) on the backing plate where the shoes rest/ride also form rust prohibiting the full operation of the shoes.
Take the " star adjuster apart" and clean an grease up to allow easy adjustments and prevent rust buildup in the future.
I prefer *Anti-Size* the silver stuff.
Don't forget to install the rubber plug in the backing plate when all done.

NewShockerGuy · #9 08-20-2013, 04:57 PM

Question on the spring kit:

I found this:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...974&cc=1372676

Do I need to get one kit PER rear wheel?

I was looking at the following rear drums: Would this fit a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L?

RAYBESTOS Part # 9651R More Info {#109651, 9651} Professional Grade; Outside Diameter 10.6" / 5 Bolts / Finned
Rear; 9" X 1-3/4" Brakes

I was also going to stick with Raybestos pads for the front and rear. And also changing the front rotors as well since I get crazy shaking when braking hard.... also plan on doing the front wheel bearings since I am there replacing the rotor...

Thanks,
-Nigel

cvar · #10 08-20-2013, 05:17 PM

Nigel, yes, you'll need 1 set of shoes, plus 1 spring kit, per rear wheel. Measure your truck to check if has either 9" or 10" diameter drums.

See http://www.fordrangerforum.com/wheel...kes-video.html

IMPORTANT TIP: Take a photo BEFORE removing ANY part. Then view photos in reverse order during install. There are a gazillion parts, and they're meant to go in 1 way ONLY. It's easy to screw up. The springs are strong, which makes some tricky to replace, so needle-nose vice-grips do help.

Back off your adjustment screw, and don't forget to adjust it again afterwards: make it just snug, then back it off JUST a titch so wheel spins freely w/o drag. Seldom need to replace rear bearings at same time.

My photos: http://imgur.com/a/ZES5N

Oh, and that shaking during hard braking is from front rotors being out-of-round. They can warp from heat. They can wear unevenly. You can get yours made true again in a lathe, but new rotors are the simpler solution (assuming quality parts that are perfectly round).

96_4x4_XLT · #11 08-20-2013, 05:20 PM

Follow this one rule and you will do just fine

........don't suck

android<iPhone

dfpgnm · #12 08-20-2013, 05:35 PM

There is a special tool (a real long narrow handle pliers) with a hook on one jaw and a concave end on one of the handles designed especially for doing the springs. Another tool with cupped ends for the hold down spring caps. And a special small pry bar for adjusting them. The tools have been around for ever. And they work great.

96_4x4_XLT · #13 08-20-2013, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfpgnm

There is a special tool (a real long narrow handle pliers) with a hook on one jaw and a concave end on one of the handles designed especially for doing the springs. Another tool with cupped ends for the hold down spring caps. And a special small pry bar for adjusting them. The tools have been around for ever. And they work great.

brake tool lol

android<iPhone

dfpgnm · #14 08-20-2013, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96_4x4_XLT

brake tool lol

android<iPhone

Tools, dude. Tools. The ones I have were my father's. And they still do the job just as well as the 40 year old ratchet and all those great SAE wrenches I got from him.

(its great having a full set of SAE's when working on a Ranger. You can never tell when you're going to cross the line from the Metric side to the USA side on the truck.)