ebrake re-pad

[casray]

'03 mountaineer V8 AWD

Can you replace the e brake pads without removing the end of the axle? It seems like it would be very difficult to reach behind to attach the springs?...
Any help out there?
Ray

 

[lincoln20012002]

Yes, you do not need to remove the axles, just the rotors, which can be hard to do.

I have found that the bare metal shoes do just as good of a job at holding the truck as new shoes do. The reason why I mention this is it seems very common for the brake shoe material to separate from the metal backing. Causing all kinds of racket from the rearend as the shoe material rolls around inside the rotor. After experiencing this three times! I said enough, I dont even use the e brake, Im just putting the bare shoes back in. And to my surprise it works very well, I cant tell the difference.

Now please dont think I am advocating this for everyone, its just my own experience, use your own judgement.

 

[JasonF]

I did it without taking the axle apart. It was pretty frustrating but I managed to stretch the springs on using a skinny screwdriver. Then it takes one or two test-fits of putting the disk back on to make sure you have the little adjuster set in the right position. I went with Raybestos shoes because they hopefully won't debond like the Ford ones do.


Jason

 

[casray]

Thanks for the advice fellas! I ended up keeping the padless metal shoes and expanded the adjustment until they did their job! I don't use it ever, but at my last inspection I got a rejection because they werent grabbin'. (I dont know why hey check it on an automatic trans. vehicle) I still cant imagine using a little screwdriver to get the springs on and off... I am horrible when it comes to that kind of intricate patience.
RAy