Why can't shops ever get the drums correct?

[mikkelstuff]

Time to upgrade to the Mustang rear disc brakes:

Mustang rear disc brake conversion - at last

I finally completed the Mustang rear brake conversion on my 2002 Ranger 4WD XLT following the excellent guide on this web site: http://www.therangerstation.com/how-to/wheels_and_brakes/ford-ranger-bronco-ii-rear-disc-brake-conversion/ I went with 2002 Mustang GT vented rotors. What to me...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^, welcome to the 1960's

 

[sgtsandman]

Doesn't make any sense at all for it not to be self adjusting after 1950's, lol

But in fairness I have only done rear disc hybrids(disc w/drum) on GMs and they were self adjusting

But I did look at other Fords with hybrid rear brakes and there doesn't look like any where self adjust was added

So I would avoid Fords with rear disc brakes unless you like driving around with pre-1960s brake mechanisms
4 wheel Disc brakes can be an upgrade, but not if you can't park on a hill, that's just unsafe all around

They did a much better job with the 2019+ Rangers. They use lever arms to actuate the rear calipers with the pistons that need to be cranked back with special tools when you replace the pads. The special tool requirement kinda stinks but they aren’t too expensive to get and the brake self adjusts.

I just look at the 2011 as practice for when I install brakes on the utility trailer. Trailer brakes generally are not self adjusting either...

 

[RonD]

Yes, the non-hybrid rear disc brakes have the ratchet type calipers for the pads, a cable pulls a lever that ratchets piston out, to grip disc, so is self-adjusting
Yes, you do need to "screw" the piston back in when redoing the brakes with new, thicker pads
After install you can do the same "pump the parking brake pedal" to adjust pistons out to grip, can't be over-tightened, so a proper post-1960's solution for Parking Brakes, lol

Yes, electric trailer brakes were often not self adjusting from factory, but most can be update to self adjusting now

 

[Dirtman]

You can do the same thing by holding brake release handle out and then pumping the parking brake pedal, that spins the self adjusters, on both sides, until they are tight, you can't over-tighten them with this method

This assumes the adjusters are working which they rarely are...

Do the 8.8s have self adjusters? My 07 with the 7.5 was only manual.

edit: after thinking about it for a bit, even after I rebuilt by drums and used anti-seize everhwhere the adjuster simply did not work

All drum brakes have self adjusters...

 

[bobbywalter]

If the cable is ragged on one side or things are installed wrong, using the e brake to adjust the brakes can be futile or cause more problems.

I would have to gawk at it...so I knew what I had.

Without knowing how often you actually use your parking brake, it's tough to understand the situation.

 

[computersoc]

You can also unplug the switch and see if brake light goes off, that would confirm its that switch that is causing the light to be on and not the sensor on the master

I sprayed some WD40 on the switch and clicked it up and down. The light is still showing lit when I release the ebrake. I unplugged the switch and the light went away. What should I do next?

 

[RonD]

Replace the switch, and you can leave it unplugged for now, won't effect master fluid level switch, that would also turn the light on if fluid was low
DRL will also now be working if you have that on your Ranger


Below is the cluster wiring for 2001
On the right side you will see the Parking brake switch and just below it the Master fluid level switch
If either is GROUNDED then Brake Light comes on

Most dash warning lights work that way, just FYI, all the bulbs get 12v with key on and are then GROUNDED for 2 to 3 seconds as a BULB TEST, then ungrounded for operation, if re-grounded by system switch they will come back on or stay on

 

[computersoc]

If the cable is ragged on one side or things are installed wrong, using the e brake to adjust the brakes can be futile or cause more problems.

I would have to gawk at it...so I knew what I had.

Without knowing how often you actually use your parking brake, it's tough to understand the situation.

I use it daily when I park. Ebrake cable was last replaced probably 6 or 7 years ago.

 

[computersoc]

Replace the switch, and you can leave it unplugged for now, won't effect master fluid level switch, that would also turn the light on if fluid was low
DRL will also now be working if you have that on your Ranger

I will order one for $26 from Amazon unless the dealer has a Motorcraft version in stock for a similar price for pickup. Is it just coincidence that I got my rear brakes done and the light stays on? Not sure why it would act up all of a sudden.

One other note, when I release the ebrake, sometimes I see the light on the dash flicker off for 1/4 of a second. Ultimately the light stays on.

 

[sgtsandman]

I will order one for $26 from Amazon unless the dealer has a Motorcraft version in stock for a similar price for pickup. Is it just coincidence that I got my rear brakes done and the light stays on? Not sure why it would act up all of a sudden.

One other note, when I release the ebrake, sometimes I see the light on the dash flicker off for 1/4 of a second. Ultimately the light stays on.

Check Rock Auto too. They often sell Motorcraft parts and if you look further down the forum, Rock Auto often has a discount code you can use as well. Even with shipping, they are often hard to beat on price.