🙋 2001 Ford Ranger 2wd Braking

[Jo-Riley]

Hi! My Rangers brakes started vibrating/pulsating and when stopped they go pretty far down. No brake or abs lights. No leaks. Had a mechanic drive it he texted me this to Google
2001 ford ranger xlt 2.5 when braking the brake pedal pushes back
I do recall this past January when backing out of parking spot there was a loud noise. Like something metal? Broke? But ran and stopped fine. Half hour later it felt like and was working while turning into lit. It's progressively gotten worse. Brakes are about 50%. I drive about 5500 miles a year. I am fixed budget and the mechanic said he can fix it as a side job. But narrowing down the problem is tricky.
Anyone near St Paul MN?
You guys helped me replace my radiator a couple years back. Still
Thank you

 

[franklin2]

It's not going to be cheap. Sounds to me like the pedal is low because the rear brakes need attention. Because the rear brakes have not been doing their share of the braking, the front brakes have had to take up the slack, and they have gotten hot and warped the rotors

You might be able to take the rotors off and have them turned, if there is enough meat left. I think O Reilly's turns rotors for $10 each in my area.

 

[RobWigglezz]

I would check the back drums first, it sounds like they are way out of adjustment. You need to make sure the self adjusters aren't frozen and adjust the shoes out. That will shorten up the pedal. Also check the inside of the rear tires to see if they look wet.

 

[Jo-Riley]

It's not going to be cheap. Sounds to me like the pedal is low because the rear brakes need attention. Because the rear brakes have not been doing their share of the braking, the front brakes have had to take up the slack, and they have gotten hot and warped the rotors

You might be able to take the rotors off and have them turned, if there is enough meat left. I think O Reilly's turns rotors for $10 each in my area.

Thank you.

 

[Jo-Riley]

I would check the back drums first, it sounds like they are way out of adjustment. You need to make sure the self adjusters aren't frozen and adjust the shoes out. That will shorten up the pedal. Also check the inside of the rear tires to see if they look wet.

I will make a note of this. I'm going to have someone look into this, side job. A lot has happened over the past month which has used up every financial source I have. For now I'll need to walk places. Just want to be safe. Thank you.

 

[pentode]

Good advice above. I would just add that if you have a spot to work in and a few tools, brakes are pretty DIY friendly, at least the basic stuff. Brake parts on these trucks aren't expensive. In the rust belt, the self-adjusters on the rear brakes tend to seize and then the rears end up not doing anything.

If you don't feel safe driving the truck, a couple hours of recon work doesn't cost anything and with some detailed pictures, I'm sure the braintrust here can steer you towards a solution.