How to Install the Rear Brakes on a 1996 Ford Ranger

The 1996 Ford Ranger comes equipped with a front disc and rear drum anti-lock brake system. With this system the front brakes provide up to 80 percent of the stopping power of the entire brake system. As a result, the front brakes will require replacement more often. However, as the rear brakes wear, a low brake pedal and inoperative parking brake can result. Replacement of the rear brakes on this truck can be accomplished by the average home mechanic in a couple of hours.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels about one half turn. Do not remove them at this time. Place wheel chocks behind the front wheels and lift the rear wheels off the ground with the floor jack. Place a jack stand under each rear axle tube and lower the truck onto the stands to prevent accidents. Remove the rear wheels and place them out of the way.

2

Slide the rear brake drums off the brake system. If they are stuck, a few sharp blows with a hammer around the outside edge of the drum will loosen them enough to slide off. Occasionally soaking the drum, around the hub, with penetrating oil will be required. Wash the brake system with soapy water and a small scrub brush to prevent excessive dust that can be harmful if inhaled.

3

Remove the two long return springs, that attach the brake shoes to the pivot pin at the top of the system, using a brake return spring tool. Pull out the brake equalizer bar from between the top of the brake shoes. Remove the hold down springs, that attach the brake shoes to the backing plate, using a hold down spring tool. Fold the shoes together to allow the star wheel and adjuster lever to drop from the bottom of the shoes and remove the lower spring. Separate the secondary shoe (closest to the rear of the truck) from the parking brake lever by removing the horseshoe shaped retaining clip.

4

Clean the springs, equalizer bar, self adjuster and backing plate with brake parts cleaner. Apply a small amount of silicon brake grease to the contact points on the backing plate. Attach the primary shoe (closest to the front of the truck) to the backing plate with a hold down spring. The primary shoe can be identified by the shorter brake lining. Attach the secondary shoe to the parking brake lever using a horseshoe shaped clip. Attach the secondary shoe to the backing plate with a hold down spring.

5

Position the equalizer bar between the two shoes. Hold the adjuster cable out of the way, and attach the shoes to the pivot pin with the return springs. Insert the adjuster lever into the primary shoe and attach the lower spring to it and the secondary shoe. Attach the adjuster cable to the adjuster lever. Pull the lower edge of the shoes apart and slip the star wheel adjuster into place. Slide the drum over the shoes. Turn the star wheel through the back of the backing plate, using a brake adjusting tool, until the shoes contact the drum.

6

Repeat the process for the remaining brake. Reinstall the wheels and lower the truck to the ground. Test drive to verify the repair.