HI,

I have a 2005 explorer that was making a clicking sound from the rear. All signs and symptoms pointed to rear park brake shoes separating from the backing.

So I started the job. As soon as I took the drum/disk off the pads came flying out. The rest of the shoes securly in place.

How do I get this back together. I can not work behind the hub, there is not enough room. Do I just take the spindle nut off? Does the hub/axle slide right out? I tried looking for posts and or images but I found nothing. I found simiar post but not for what I have.

I had to do the same thing on my F250, is it the same for the explorer?

Any help is much appreciated. Oh if I do take that nut off, whats the tourque setting for putting it back on?

Ron

 

I'll try to remember to see if the factory service manual lists any special tools or steps tonight.

I remember when I did the parking brakes on my 2000 Mountaineer I decided it was a good time to change the axle seals, bearings, and differential fluid because it's a whole lot easier to change the shoes when the axle is removed. Obviously with the independent suspension on the 2005 it will be a bit more tricky. Fortunately the shoes are still bonded on my current 2004.

-Rod

 

Rod,

That would be great. I cant find anything on this. It kills me too because I have since heard several Explorers with the same sound. So it is a very common issue.

Ron

 

I'm afraid the factory service manual is not of much help. Here's the steps to remove the parking brake shoes from the manual:

Removal

NOTE: A parking brake shoe kit contains the linings required for both the LH and RH side.

NOTE: Make sure the parking brake control is fully released.

1. Release the tension on the parking brake cable. For additional information, refer to Parking Brake Cable Tension Release in this section.
2. Remove the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206-04 .
3. Remove the parking brake shoe adjusting screw.
4. Remove the parking brake shoe adjusting screw spring.
5. Remove the 2 parking brake shoe hold-down springs and pins.
6. Remove the parking brake shoe retracting spring and the parking brake shoes.

The interesting thing is there is no mention of needing to remove the hub. I understand your frustration, It would have been no fun to replace the parking brake shoes on my 2000 if the axles were not removed. That being said I did help a friend replace the parking brake shoes on his wife's '98 Explorer Sport with the axles in. It was no fun, but still possible. Apparently so is the 2005. On hers standard brake tools were no good. I had to use a screwdriver to release and install some springs and a diagonal cutters to grip and remove/install other springs.

-Rod

 

Rod,

Thanks you. I am thinking that I may use my buddy's lift and maybe that will help. Doing it on jack stands it was too low to the ground. I actually had most of it back together. the problem was the clips that hold the shoes to the backing plate I could not get leverage on to get them to hold. sooooo frustrating!!!

thansk again!

Ron

 

If those clips are basically the folded spring steel clips, I used the screwdriver on those to get them reinstalled. They're actually easier with two people, one to apply pressure wire the screwdriver, the second to use a finger from behind on the pin, twisting it to fit through the spring clip. There was one that really fought us so we decided to tackle the other side, then came back to the first side and it clipped together no problem. I guess the moral of the story is if you get frustrated, walk away from it for a few minutes.

-Rod