The 2001 Ford Ranger has four-wheel disc brakes, in contrast to previous years when the Ranger was equipped with rear drum brakes. The rear disc brakes steady the Ranger as it comes to a stop, keeping the back wheels in line with the front wheels. Because the front brakes perform more of the vehicle's braking, the back brakes wear out in half the time as the front. A 2001 Ford Ranger owner with basic auto repair experience can replace the rear brakes in about two hours.
Instructions
- 1
Park the Ranger on a level surface and turn off its ignition. Place the wheel chocks against one of the front tires to keep the Ranger from rolling. Loosen Ranger's back lug nuts using the lug wrench, counterclockwise, but do not take them off.
2Raise the Ranger's rear end with the floor jack. Set the jack stands under the rear axle and lower the Ranger onto the jack stands. Remove the rear lug nuts and wheels to expose the Ranger's back brakes.
3Position a drain pan under the Ranger's left, rear brake assembly. Spray the Ranger's rotor, caliper and hub thoroughly with brake cleaner to rinse off the brake dust.
4Remove the Ranger's left, rear caliper bolts with the socket set. Pull the caliper out of the Ranger's left, rear caliper bracket. Remove the Ranger's old brake pads by hand and throw them away.
5Clean the inside of the Ranger's caliper with brake cleaner. Apply a substantial layer of white lithium grease on the Ranger's caliper slide pins.
6Install the new rear brake pads by hand. Place the Ranger's left, rear caliper back into the caliper bracket. Bolt the caliper in with the socket set.
7Move to the 2001 Ford Ranger's right, rear end and repeat Steps 3 through 6. Reinstall the Ranger's rear wheels and lug nuts by hand.
8Lower the Ranger's rear end off the jack stands with the floor jack. Tighten the rear lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds with the torque wrench. Move the wheel chocks away from the Ranger's front wheel before driving.
