brake adjusters
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
brake adjusters
I had a leak in my brakes somewhere and couldn't find it so I took my truck in to get it found and fixed. They found the leak and fixed it. BUT they said that three of my four brake adjusters were missing... They quoted me $350 to replace them. Sounds high to me but it could be about right. Is this a job that is easily and cheaply tackled? Or should I take it somewhere else to get a quote? Thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Shop rates can be very high, they go by job rates posted in a book.
It annoys the hell out of me that the local service station gets $85.00 per hr on a vehicle that I bring to them. I have 40 years experience in residential construction and folk want me to work $15.00-20.00 hr. bringing my tools & truck to them.
It is a simple job if you have some experience, wouldn't hurt to take it somewhere else.
John
It annoys the hell out of me that the local service station gets $85.00 per hr on a vehicle that I bring to them. I have 40 years experience in residential construction and folk want me to work $15.00-20.00 hr. bringing my tools & truck to them.
It is a simple job if you have some experience, wouldn't hurt to take it somewhere else.
John
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
The fact that you're asking tells me you're not familiar with them. The adjusters themselves have to be in there. The self adjusters must be missing. It's not all that hard, but can be aggrevating. A simple Haynes manual would get you thru it if you want to tackle it. The worse part is usually getting the drums off these old trucks, but sounds like that shouldn't be an issue since they've checked them. I'd definatly check around for cheaper price. Good luck, whatever your decision. I can't remember what year they started self adjusters. Before them, you just adjusted them up a bit at oil change time. About a ten minute job.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Personally I'd encourage you to dive in and give it a go. The parts should be around $7 a wheel - the price they've quoted you is unreal!
The worst part is the springs that secure the shoes to the backing plate (to remove the cable - replace this too, it comes in the kit). After that it's a breeze. I recently did mine for the first time. Mine were present, but not working due to a stretched cable, a broken cable, and one was just too stiff to work right.
I do recommend reading up on it though if you are unfamiliar with it.
The worst part is the springs that secure the shoes to the backing plate (to remove the cable - replace this too, it comes in the kit). After that it's a breeze. I recently did mine for the first time. Mine were present, but not working due to a stretched cable, a broken cable, and one was just too stiff to work right.
I do recommend reading up on it though if you are unfamiliar with it.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
I appreciate all the feed back. I am going to tackle the issue myself for $7 a wheel. I looked up the parts and the process and I can totally do it. I just get a little apprehensive when it comes to brakes. But to save $300 I can overcome that fear! I just have to wait until the snow melts. I don't have a garage at the moment and don't feel like sitting in the snow!
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
The brake adjusters only work...when you back up and step on the brake. The major problem with the adjusters is...the cable snaps.
You can buy a kit from NAPA to eliminate them, or buy kits to fix them. One kit per wheel is required.
Any autoparts store should have the kits, since the same ones fit 1968/79 F100 / 1975/96 F150 / 1969/74 E100 / 1967/75 Bronco (w/10" brakes) / 1980/83 F100 (w/11" rear brakes).
Front/rear is the same, but are right/left specific due to the brake shoe adjuster lever. Some kits come with both the right & left brake shoe adjuster lever, some only come with the specific side.
The other parts that make up the adjusters are the same right/left.
You can buy a kit from NAPA to eliminate them, or buy kits to fix them. One kit per wheel is required.
Any autoparts store should have the kits, since the same ones fit 1968/79 F100 / 1975/96 F150 / 1969/74 E100 / 1967/75 Bronco (w/10" brakes) / 1980/83 F100 (w/11" rear brakes).
Front/rear is the same, but are right/left specific due to the brake shoe adjuster lever. Some kits come with both the right & left brake shoe adjuster lever, some only come with the specific side.
The other parts that make up the adjusters are the same right/left.
