If you hear a high-pitched squealing coming from the rear wheels when you apply the brakes on your Ford Ranger, this is an indication that it is time to change the brakes. However, you should not wait to hear this signal before you inspect the brakes. Although there is no specific period of time during which you need to replace your brakes, you should inspect them regularly as you perform maintenance on your truck.
Instructions
- 1
Insert wheel chocks behind the front wheels of the Ranger. Jack up the rear of the truck on the side you wish to start with. Place a jack stand underneath the Ford near the jack. Raise it up to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and take the wheel off.
2Use a wrench to remove the three nuts that attach the drum to the wheel assembly. Pull the drum away from the wheel assembly. Inspect the brake drum thoroughly for cracks, grooves and other damage. If there is damage present, you will have to have the drums machined smooth or replace them.
3Place a small C-clamp on the ends of the brake cylinder and tighten it enough to hold the ends so they do not pop out. Remove the adjuster from between the brake pads. Turn one end of the adjuster so that it is all the way into the housing. Pull the adjusting lever toward the back and unhook it from the brake shoes. Remove the adjusting spring and the lever in the same manner that you removed the adjuster.
4Use the brake tool to remove the top springs from the brake shoes. Remove the retaining springs from the brake shoes by gripping them with a pair of pliers and pushing them in while turning approximately turn until they release from the retaining pins. Pull the brake shoes away from the backing plate.
5Clean the entire area using a clean rag and brake cleaning fluid. Connect the parking brake link to the secondary brake shoe by hooking it into the slot. Place the new brake shoes on the backing plate and secure them with the retaining springs by pushing the springs in with pliers and turning them turn until they lock into place. Using the brake tool, connect the top springs to the brake shoes. Install the adjusting spring and lever to the secondary brake shoe. Remove the C-clamp from the wheel cylinder. Insert the self-adjuster between the shoes.
6Open the brake adjuster by spinning it just enough that it is snug between the brake shoes. Place the brake drum on the wheel assembly and tighten the three retaining nuts with a wrench. Install the wheel on the Ranger and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from beneath the truck and lower the vehicle to the ground.
7Bleed the air out of the brake lines when the project is complete. Have someone help you do this by pumping the brakes and holding the pedal in as you open the bleeder valve on the wheel with a wrench. Do this on both wheels until the air is out of the lines.
