Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

[mscher]

It's been long time since I replaced any drum brake shoes and never have replaced drums until now.

Even with the adjuster turned all the way in, the new drum fit very snug over the shoes. When I turn the drum, I can feel a slight rubbing.

Is it normal for a new drum to fit so tightly, even with the adjuster retracted? All of the brake pieces seem to be sitting where they need to be and even the old drum goes over a little snug.

Is this normal?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

Turning just the drum by hand should be tough but still turn.

Seating the drums on new shoes can be tricky since the new shoes are actually round and need to be centered just so

Did you cut the drums or replace them?

Once the wheel and tire is on and the lines have been bled then you will need to re-adjust the brakes. This is best accomplished with the wheel on and using the wheel for leverage to turn it (similar to using a long breaker bar vs a stubby ratchet).

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

Make sure the parking brake adjustor is backed off.

 

[mscher]

Re: Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

Yes, these are new drums.

I will check the parking brake adjuster.

 

[ufm82]

Re: Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

Slight rub is fine- it could be as simple as the leading edges touching the drum. I always chamfer the leading/trailing edges of new brake shoes as they will drag a bit and wear off quickly anyway. Once the brakes are applied a couple times and the shoes seat in, you shouldn't have any issues.
Check the parking brake cable adjustment as mentioned and make sure it isn't hung up. Rangers were good for having the driver's side cable freeze up. (Don't know why but I've replaced 2 dozen over the years as a dealership mech.)
I always like to hear just a tad of noise on new shoes when spinning the wheel. It will go away within a few miles of driving though. However, check the rears after the test drive to make sure they aren't truly dragging or you will overheat the brakes and ruin them. The smell will tell you pretty quickly if they are too tight. LOL

UFM82

 

[rbh]

Re: Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

Make sure the parking brake adjustor is backed off.

+1, make sure you clean the threads, then a light coating of never seize.
Go through the adjustment hole when the tires back on and using a wide flathead screwdriver, adjust the star wheel till the shoes are snug.
Remember that to adjust your rear brakes you need to back up and pump the pedal, you will feel the diference.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

Push in your wheel cylinder cups make sure they are not leaking if leaking your shoes will be out furthur if not your lucky little adjustment needed or thicker shoe.....as side before park brake adjusted way out .....pulls shoe more

 

[ufm82]

Re: Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

A note on the never seize suggestion for the adjuster screw. It's been my experience that putting any type of lubricant on the screw merely exacerbates the problem as brake dust sticks to the lube and builds up in the threads. Plus, as the screw "unscrews" to adjust the brakes, it is coming out of the female section of the adjuster so. It's not lubed from the factory for a reason. Just make sure it is clean, not corroded or pitted/damaged from such and reinstall. If it is nasty, replace it. They're not expensive.

UFM82

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

All I have ever used on the adjuster is a wire wheel.

Clean them up real nice and you should be set.
I agree with the anti-seize or grease. They collect dust and dirt. Plug things up and make the star un adjustable.

 

[rbh]

Re: Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

With new brake shoes the adjuster is fully turned in, so it will not collect brake dust until it is adjusted out, and then its already out of the threaded portion of the adjuster
the anti seize or a dab of grease is used so that any moisture that builds up over time will not seize up the threads.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

I agree with lubing the adjuster as well. They are lubed from the factory! As others mentioned, so what if they get dust on them...they aren't going back in until you replace your brake shoes again!

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Ford Ranger Drum Brakes.

Some times quality control on aftermarket parts is not very good. Check for being out of speck. I have run into this a few times. I to also lube the star adjuster.