How to Install an Emergency Brake on a Ford Truck

Emergency brakes were originally designed to stop a vehicle in motion during an emergency. Modern braking systems have made this use largely obsolete, and emergency brakes are now used primarily as a parking brake. Ford F-series trucks have been in continuous production since 1948, with an abundance of varied makes and models, so this is a very general guide to installing emergency brakes in a Ford truck. For specific procedures, consult the owner's manual for your particular truck.

Instructions

1

Park the truck over a hoist. Place the transmission in neutral gear and release the parking brake. Remove any panels necessary to access the parking brake, and raise the truck with the hoist.

2

Pull the parking brake cable to its maximum limit of travel, and insert a retainer pin where appropriate to prevent the cable from retracting. The parking brake should not have any tension on it. You'll probably need an assistant to hold the cable while you insert the retaining pin.

3

Use a socket wrench to disconnect the parking brake cable. Remove the rear brake discs and the front brake discs, depending on your particular vehicle.

4

Unfasten any brake shoe adjuster screws that attach the brake springs, using a screwdriver. Remove any brake springs and pins on the parking brake shoes, and remove the parking brake shoes.

5

Lubricate the new shoes for the parking brake at the points where they'll contact the wear pad. Install the new brake shoes and ensure they're centered with respect to the brake pads.

6

Fasten the springs, pins and screws for the brake shoes, and connect the parking brake cable. Use a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the proper torque. Remove the retaining pin on the brake cable, and adjust the clearance on the parking brake as appropriate for your vehicle.