E-Brake / Brake Nightmare
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 60
From: N. Illinois
E-Brake / Brake Nightmare
After the oil change on my sons 2011 this weekend, we found the E-Brakes locked when the brake was set on the ramps. Common seizing issue, but when I pulled the rotor, the amount of rust and corrosion from one rear brake and rotor assembly filled two pop cans.
The backing plate is rusted to a mess, and I can barely get the retainer rivets and clips to stay in the plate through the shoes. After breaking things loose, my son maintains the truck brakes better. The main shoes were seized on the slides of the caliper brackets, and that was a lengthy process to get things removed. I'm thinking despite the main pads looking fairly thick, the e-brake shoe springs broke, and for some time, the shoes have been rubbing and half of each shoe is worn off.
I've confirmed why I despise buying used trucks when the history is not known, but that's a story for another day. This rig now after being pulled apart, looks like it was parked in a mud hole for years. The rest of the body and interior is beautiful. E-brakes are just about never used, but I figure based on what we have, seen, if a rusted brake line gives out, my son needs the e-brakes as backup. I need them back up and working.
It appears the only way to change the backing plate is to pull the complete axle shaft out of the axle after disconnecting it in the rear differential. Dorco makes two-piece backing plates for GM and Dodge to assemble around the axle, but for the 2011 F150? Nope. I've thought about cutting a set in half and putting them on and bolting them in place, but there's got to be a reason why two piece backing plates aren't available.
Regardless, it looks like a major brake job is coming. Any pointers on doing the brakes and e-brakes? Should I use OEM? Napa? Seems these retail part stores are all made in China parts that don't last. I'm not looking to do this job again due to garbage parts, but I don't want a mortgage when front coils and shocks aren't far behind.
Thanks.
The backing plate is rusted to a mess, and I can barely get the retainer rivets and clips to stay in the plate through the shoes. After breaking things loose, my son maintains the truck brakes better. The main shoes were seized on the slides of the caliper brackets, and that was a lengthy process to get things removed. I'm thinking despite the main pads looking fairly thick, the e-brake shoe springs broke, and for some time, the shoes have been rubbing and half of each shoe is worn off.
I've confirmed why I despise buying used trucks when the history is not known, but that's a story for another day. This rig now after being pulled apart, looks like it was parked in a mud hole for years. The rest of the body and interior is beautiful. E-brakes are just about never used, but I figure based on what we have, seen, if a rusted brake line gives out, my son needs the e-brakes as backup. I need them back up and working.
It appears the only way to change the backing plate is to pull the complete axle shaft out of the axle after disconnecting it in the rear differential. Dorco makes two-piece backing plates for GM and Dodge to assemble around the axle, but for the 2011 F150? Nope. I've thought about cutting a set in half and putting them on and bolting them in place, but there's got to be a reason why two piece backing plates aren't available.
Regardless, it looks like a major brake job is coming. Any pointers on doing the brakes and e-brakes? Should I use OEM? Napa? Seems these retail part stores are all made in China parts that don't last. I'm not looking to do this job again due to garbage parts, but I don't want a mortgage when front coils and shocks aren't far behind.
Thanks.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Use genuine parts, the backing plates are around 30.00 each. Replace the axle shaft seals when you have the rear apart. Pulling the axle shafts is easy and probably a good time to also service the rear axle.
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Mount, NC
I've confirmed why I despise buying used trucks when the history is not known, but that's a story for another day. This rig now after being pulled apart, looks like it was parked in a mud hole for years. The rest of the body and interior is beautiful. E-brakes are just about never used, but I figure based on what we have, seen, if a rusted brake line gives out, my son needs the e-brakes as backup. I need them back up and working.
Junior User
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, OK
Sounds like the previous owner had a boat and dipped the back of the truck in the water a lot. I see a lot of that out here on the east coast, but they are dipping the rear end in salt water and completely trash the rear of these trucks. I second OEM parts. They aren't that more expensive than aftermarket and once done have your son get in the habit of using the parking brake. The lack of use in an automatic is the number one reason they deteriorate. I use mine even in my garage.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 60
From: N. Illinois
Thanks guys. I'm going to start with the rear brakes, complete, less backing plates. Maybe I can get them repainted while I'm working. Not sure I'm interested in pulling the pig apart to pull out the axles.
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