Drum brakes leaking fluid

[mackm]

Alright, I just bought this 2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 yesterday and had the parking brake set working on something else underneath the truck. Got done and disengaged parking brake then drove it around noticed brakes were not near as responsive as they had been. Got out and noticed fluid and smoke around rear drum brakes. Could this be from the parking break not fully disengaging or just a coincidence. *have not looked at brakes internally yet*

 

[CrabGuy]

My 04 did the same thing. The RR brake cylinder started leaking really bad and ruined both shoes. Mine had sat for awhile and I assumed the seals had hardened. New brake cylinders and shoes took care of that quickly. I might suggest you take a few pics of how everything is connected before tearing it down, I wish I had.

 

[sgtsandman]

That sounds like the brake slave cylinder is leaking to me. That is the only thing inside the drum that contains fluid. Though, it is possible the axle seal could be bad but axle fluid tends to have a distinct, sulphur smell to it.

Pull the wheel and drum in question and verify the source of the leak before you start buying parts. Be prepared to also replace the brake line from the slave cylinder to the T block on the axle. There is a good chance you will break that line while trying to loosen it in order to change the slave cylinder. Rust tends to lock the line and the fitting together and either snaps the line or twists it right off.

Also, pre-made brake lines are all but nonexistent. So, you will be making your own. Not hard if you have the tools but without and practice and experience, it may take a try or two before you get it right.