How to Replace the Rear Breaks on a Ford Ranger

Replacing the rear brake shoes on a Ford Ranger can be challenging, but not impossible. Anyone with the right set of tools can replace brake shoes in a single afternoon, or less with experience. Prior to starting the process, purchase the brake shoes from your local automotive repair store. Then, it is just a matter of rolling up your sleeves and getting to work.

Instructions

1

Place blocks in front of the front tires, which will remain on the ground, to prevent the truck from rolling.

2

Jack up the rear end of the truck and support each side with jack stands.

3

Remove the tires. At this point, you should be able to see the brake drum.

4

Remove the brake drum and you will see the rear brake shoes and the wheel cylinder.

5

Remove the rear brake shoes by removing the springs that hold them on. Use a brake spring removal tool for this step, if necessary. Lay the brake shoes and springs out the way they came off to make installation much easier.

6

Remove the caliper bracket, but only if it is required for removal of the rotor. The caliper bracket is usually held on by two bolts. Remove the bolts and then the caliper bracket. Install rear brake shoes, checking the springs and retainers as you go. Replace any worn or damaged springs.

7

Install rear brake drum and adjust rear brakes untill you feel them drag on the drum a little.

8

Place the caliper over the pads and rotor and replace the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.

9

Torque the lug nuts to manufacturer's specifications.

10

Pump the brakes before driving. If the brake pedal does not feel right after three or four pumps, remove the tires and recheck the brakes.

11

Test-drive the truck. The brakes may feel a little soft for the first few trips until the brake shoes seat properly.