Backing Plate Question

[ReganC]

First of all, Hi all. First post.

I'll get right to the point, after a little explanation.

So, my girlfriend has been looking for a new vehicle that will haul us, our 3 year old, and our 2 large dogs. An Explorer looks perfect! So, I found one on Craigslist. 92, in good shape with low miles.

Good price, but in the ad, he says that it needs the backing plate replaced. The guy has the new part, but wants an extra $400 to install it, or it can be taken for the asking price, with part in hand.

My question is: How hard is it to replace a backing plate? Is it worth $400 for someone else to install?

I've got plenty of tools, and a decent mechanical aptitude(Work on planes and boats, not too many cars/trucks). Sorry if it was more of a story than a question, I'm just excited about the idea of getting one of these.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ReganC]

Any help, or opinions would be much appreciated.

It seems like a good deal, but I don't know how much effort it would take to replace the part myself.

Thanks again.

 

[Anime]

Depends what 'backing plate' he's talking about. Some people call the disc brake stone shields backing plates, those would be a cinch to replace. The backing plates on the rear drum brakes might be slightly more difficult, but with $10-30 worth of brake tools and looking up how to do the drum brakes on here, it would sure cost a whole lot less than $400. If it's just ONE backing plate, that's even less work.

Personally I wouldn't have anyone who's getting rid of the vehicle work on it since they won't be driving it. Plus if you do the brakes while replacing the backing plate, you will know they're up to par. One of, if not THE most important system on a vehicle in terms of safety.

Do it yourself, it'll help you bond with your new Explorer and understand how it works.

 

[H munster]

Is it a manual transmission? He may be talking about the clutch pressure plate.

 

[Tony H]

Need clarity on Backing Plate.
If it's teh Brake Plates and Anime stated.. do it yourself.
If not.. we may feel differently