99 ranger brake problems

[bmerr98]

One last thought on this...you mentioned earlier the possibility that the cable had stretched since it seemed too long. Ima say probably not, as there just isn't that much tension on it, and if there were, it would likely just break. But, if you wanted to be sure, you can get a whole new set of brake hardware (springs, cable, cable guide, etc) for less than ten bucks at most auto parts stores.

And if you haven't already, invest in some decent brake spring pliers and the tool to remove/install the shoe retention spring/washer/pin. Money well spent.

 

[cp2295]

Okay yeah my brake pawl thing hangs low so ill screw around with lining the cable in the guide.. Thank you very much!

 

[bmerr98]

Another last thought on your cable. It CAN be a pita getting it all back together right. As long as drum brakes have been around you'd think we'd have them all figured out by now, but they still give us trouble sometimes...

The anchor pin at the top middle where the front and rear return springs, the cable and the anchor pin plate go...all that stuff has to go on in the proper order. Anchor pin plate (the short T with the hole in it), top end of cable, yellow spring (goes toward the rear shoe and holds the cable guide in place), and green spring (to front shoe).

When putting the cable on, don't try to hook it over the guide and down to the adjuster pawl, and THEN put the yellow (rear) spring on. The guide will keep slipping out of its hole and you will be inventing cuss words before you're done. Put the top end of the cable on the anchor pin and lay the cable over the shoe out of the way. Install the rear spring, making sure the cable guide stays in the hole. Once the rear spring is installed, put the front spring on, again keeping an eye on the cable guide. After both return springs are installed, (remember the order - anchor pin plate, top end of cable, rear spring, front spring) then loop the cable over the guide and push the adjuster pawl up to hook the lower end of the cable to it as in the previous pics. The pawl should line up with the teeth on the adjuster.

If that doesn't do the trick, I don't know what to tell you. Good luck!