'99 Ranger xlt 3.0 ltr. 4x2 105,000 mi.

Just installed rear brakes and spring kit. Left side only needed a self-adjuster kit. I cleaned everything up inside and put dabs of grease on the friction points. I also bled them both, then sailed through Pa. state inspection. The left rear drum is always very hot when I get home so that you can't hold your hand on it and the right is just warm. (I live at the bottom of a long hill). This happened a few years ago when I last replaced them. You can't feel it when braking, but I think the left remains on for a time after the brakes are released. Can't figure out why this would happen. Can that equalizer valve on the rear brake line go haywire? The bleeding went smoothly on both wheels.

 

make sure the wheel cylinder pistons move freely in the cylinders. also check the parking brake cables if you use it.

 

I always use the E brake just so it will move freely. I replaced both wheel cylinders last time I did brakes about 25,000 miles ago and one was bad then but I don't remember which. May have to take the left one apart and check for scoring.

 

Are the drums grabby?

 

Had same issue with mine and it was the section of emergency brake cable that goes into left rear drum. It had rust inside the housing that no ammount of lubrication would free up. Replaced cable and no more problems

 

Yeah, I put new cables on my 88 F150 about 2 years ago. I use the ebrake constantly (its a stick) and the left one is starting to stick. I guess its just the nature of living in MN