rear drum brakes
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 1
From: Spring Hill, FL
Are you referring to the parking brake shoes? The main rear brakes are disk brakes. The shoes on the back side are only for parking. You can jack it up and adjust it via the star adjuster through the backing plate. It may or may not still have a rubber plug in it. Spin the wheel by hand until you feel resistance, then back it off a few clicks. A common (flat) screwdriver will work just fine for this. The parking brake shoes don't wear out very easily unless somebody drives with the parking brake on...
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Thanks Lx460! I didn't even realize my rear brakes were disc. So, if they were going bad it is feasible that I would hear a "metal-to-metal" grinding noise? It is hard to tell where the sound is coming from. I swapped out the pads in the front, but no luck. And just last night I could swear it sounded as if the grinding noise was coming from the rear. In terms of the brake system is there anything different in the rear other than the parking brake? Thank you.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 1
From: Spring Hill, FL
Yes, most pads have a "wear indicator" which is nothing more than a piece of metal that touches the rotor after the friction material has worn down. They make a noise to indicate there is an issue that needs attention. Your best bet is to remove the wheel and inspect for pad thickness and rotor damage. If the rotor appears undamaged you can just replace the pads. If it is heavily gouged or cracked a replacement is in order. Replacement is similar to the front. Don't forget to not set your parking brake, otherwise you'll never get the rotor off...lol.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Thanks.....I'll pop off the rear tires in a bit and check it out. I hope I can get to the bottom of this grinding noise. I am assuming it is the braking system since I only hear it when I apply pressure to the brake pedal. If it is the pads is there a way to change them without getting air into the hydraulic lines? I guess I am asking if there's a way to change the pads without having to bleed the system. I find this difficult since I am a one-man show.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 535
Likes: 13
From: California High Desert
Thanks.....I'll pop off the rear tires in a bit and check it out. I hope I can get to the bottom of this grinding noise. I am assuming it is the braking system since I only hear it when I apply pressure to the brake pedal. If it is the pads is there a way to change them without getting air into the hydraulic lines? I guess I am asking if there's a way to change the pads without having to bleed the system. I find this difficult since I am a one-man show.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Thanks northwindone....I used a large c-clamp last time as well. Actually, how does air enter the system?
Trending Topics
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 535
Likes: 13
From: California High Desert
Under normal circumstance I think the only way air can get in the system is if one of the brake lines are disconnected. As far as brake maintenance the only time you should have to bleed the system is if you replace a caliper or line. However, it's not a bad idea to flush and bleed your lines once in a while. I have new rotors and pads all around, now I need to flush and bleed my brake lines.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 1
From: Spring Hill, FL
Air can only enter through a leak in the fluid system. Either changing caliper, hose or master cylinder or if the piston seal in the caliper has a leak. They make a "one man bleeder" or you can make one out of a soda bottle and a piece of tubing. It's not a bad idea to flush it out every few years as brake fluid is subjected to severe heat and is also hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water and holds it in suspension. That's why you never use brake fluid that hasn't been sealed well or that you don't know how it was stored. Boiling water in brake fluid=BAD.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
One Sock
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Jul 25, 2016 10:15 AM
TK139
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
4
May 12, 2004 07:13 PM