Question about Gas Mileage, or brake problem?

[1996BLKBauer]

On my 1996 Eddie Bauer AWD V8 Explorer, I cannot seem to get above 12.5 MPG. I have noticed something while doing a brake job a while back, and was wondering if this could be a problem.

While doing the rear brake, I noticed the mount for the parking brake cable, on the passenger side was cracked, I also noticed that the rotor was also rubbing on the mud/dust guard. I did not have money, or time to deal with an issue like that at the time, so I put everything back together, and went on.

But now I wonder, could this have lead to my parking brake hanging up, and reducing my gas mileage? It sometimes seems like the brakes are on, especially when I back up, I actually have to hit the gas for it even to move. If I need to replace this mount, how hard is it?

Just to clarify I have the rear disc brakes, where it has a small drum brake setup for the parking brake. the mount seems to be cast, it was cracked and slightly moved into the dust cover, which lead to the rotor rubbing on the dust cover.

 

[Turdle]

Yeah, this could be an issue for sure, and may have gotten worse if the brake releasing was interfered with

The back plate is out there at a junk yard, however I think the axle has to be removed from the housing to get it off.

This turns it into a differential fluid change, and, possibly axle seals.

Edit,

Is the 4 bolt mount on the ale tube cracked?

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Yeah, this could be an issue for sure, and may have gotten worse if the brake releasing was interfered with

The back plate is out there at a junk yard, however I think the axle has to be removed from the housing to get it off.

This turns it into a differential fluid change, and, possibly axle seals.

Edit,

Is the 4 bolt mount on the ale tube cracked?

To be honest I am unsure, I will try and get some pictures in the next few days. I am glad that somebody knew what I was talking about. All I really remember is the parking brake cable being attached to it somehow... Like I said above it seemed to be cast steel. I am sort of interested in how it could have broken.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

I tried to take some pictures, with the wheel on the truck... Didn't turn out so well, so I will have to possibly tomorrow get my jack and jack stands out and take a photo. but from what I could see the parking brake cable is for sure attached to this mount.

Question??? I am going to the Junk yard tomorrow, should I pick up this piece if I see it on another truck? I believe it is tied into the axle somehow, so I believe you are right in that I would have to take out the axle.

 

[Turdle]

I tried to take some pictures, with the wheel on the truck... Didn't turn out so well, so I will have to possibly tomorrow get my jack and jack stands out and take a photo. but from what I could see the parking brake cable is for sure attached to this mount.

Question??? I am going to the Junk yard tomorrow, should I pick up this piece if I see it on another truck? I believe it is tied into the axle somehow, so I believe you are right in that I would have to take out the axle.

If you can find one and get it off grab it. From the same side.