Emergency brake problem
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Emergency brake problem
Got an E350 Diesel,it's intended purpose is to tow my 10,000 lb boat/trailer. I did a test run to the launch ramp and found the emergency brake barely slows the van from rolling down the launch ramp. This isn't even close to safe. It was mentioned that the emergency brakes have rear drum/shoes along with the 4 wheel disk brakes. Has anyone checked into or done any work on the rear brakes and emergency brakes that can give me a heads up on what's involved?
Thanks,
Charlie
Thanks,
Charlie
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Have had experiences on slippery ramps at low tide where rear wheel emergency brakes were all but useless. For years I've used a scrap of wood cut to length to fit between the seat frame & brake pedal to hold the brakes on heavily on all 4 wheels. With a power seat or seat adjustment you can apply different degrees of pressure if you go pedal to sliding part of seat. It gives me extra confidence to launch & retrieve solo when neccessary.
A side benefit is using the same scrap of wood to hold down the pedal while I check the trailer brake lights.
A side benefit is using the same scrap of wood to hold down the pedal while I check the trailer brake lights.
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Got the brake rotor/drums off. The emergency drum brake has a traditional adjusting 'star' wheel that can be accessed from the back side of the backing plate. There a rectangular rubber plug covering the access hole.
My emergency brake shoes are worn so I'm gonna try to replace them without removing the hub. I'm not too sure it will be possible, though.
My emergency brake shoes are worn so I'm gonna try to replace them without removing the hub. I'm not too sure it will be possible, though.
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Checked on new shoes. They were the same thickness as mine and for $105, I cleaned mine up and reused them. Adjusted the emergency brakes and now have brakes with peddle half way down instead of going all the way to the floor.
3 more projects to go, swap the 4.10 gears back to 3.55, do the fuel cross and return and last but not least, make a water/air inter-cooler.
3 more projects to go, swap the 4.10 gears back to 3.55, do the fuel cross and return and last but not least, make a water/air inter-cooler.
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Charlie99
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Feb 17, 2002 10:24 AM
