Rear Brake Questions

[erixon]

Hey guys,

So I noticed some weird sounds coming from my back wheel the past few days, at first it wasn't really noisy at all, you could only hear it if you really listened, and then just today I noticed it quite a bit. I don't drive it much, because I am usually in my work vehicle, but today anyways, I got out and looked and my back rotor on the drivers side is f**ked. I don't know if something go in behind there or what, but I definately need new rotors (the passenger side looks fine, but mine as well get them both). I do however have to drive a long trip today, it's a must, and I have to take the explorer, so I gotta take it really easy obviously, but I NEED to make the trip, mostly highway, so I am thinking it should be okay, just for this one trip. Still curious as to what caused it, still looks like there is a bit of pad there, but I don't have time to pull off the wheel. In the event that I need calipers as well, can I ask, do all models come with disc brakes on the rear, and if not, which models do?

 

[Carguy3J]

Hey guys,

So I noticed some weird sounds coming from my back wheel the past few days, at first it wasn't really noisy at all, you could only hear it if you really listened, and then just today I noticed it quite a bit. I don't drive it much, because I am usually in my work vehicle, but today anyways, I got out and looked and my back rotor on the drivers side is f**ked. I don't know if something go in behind there or what, but I definately need new rotors (the passenger side looks fine, but mine as well get them both). I do however have to drive a long trip today, it's a must, and I have to take the explorer, so I gotta take it really easy obviously, but I NEED to make the trip, mostly highway, so I am thinking it should be okay, just for this one trip. Still curious as to what caused it, still looks like there is a bit of pad there, but I don't have time to pull off the wheel. In the event that I need calipers as well, can I ask, do all models come with disc brakes on the rear, and if not, which models do?

As far as I know, all 2nd gens ('95-'01) came with disc rear. However, if you're asking about interchange so you can get them from the junkyard; don't do it. Calipers should be new or rebuilt. Used calipers are a gamble, as they are somewhat of a wear item. If they are bad, you could end up ruining a new set of pads, and still having to replace it all again. With what you'll prob. pay for a used caliper vs a reman; it just isn't worth it.

As for your trip, if you know it's got a brake problem, FIND the time to fix it. A long highway trip without properly functioning brakes is dangerous for you, your passenger (if any), and everyone else around you on the road. You said it looks like there is still "a bit of pad" left. That sounds like you're saying it's falling apart. If that's the case, it could continue to fall apart on the highway, and send a pice of brakepad into someone's windshield. It shouldn't take that long to just throw pads and rotors on the back. Even changing a caliper isn't that time consuming, assuming you have someone to help bleed it.

 

[junkYARDbuilt]

I have to agree, brakes are in my opinion the MOST important component. you def. want to go brand new. I'm all about second hand car parts, but you don't skimp when it comes to brake parts.

 

[erixon]

Hey, sorry guys, Didn't get your messages until after I had to leave. The brake pad isnt shattered or broken, something is just not right. Anyways, it drove fine, I took it easy, so today I will probably pull everything apart and have a look. Hey calipers are fairly cheap new aren't they? I might not need them, but just good to know.

 

[erixon]

Update: Pulled everything off, calipers look okay, the brake pads are still intact, I think there must have been something that wrecked the rotor but not sure. Whatever, replace I guess. lol

 

[erixon]

Does anyone know where the hell the adjuster is for the parking brake shoes, i see a little plug at the bottom of the backing plate but i dont know what the hell is in there. I just need to loosen it to get the rotors on.

 

[Carguy3J]

Does anyone know where the hell the adjuster is for the parking brake shoes, i see a little plug at the bottom of the backing plate but i dont know what the hell is in there. I just need to loosen it to get the rotors on.

The parking brake adjuster should be where every drum brake adjuster is; at the bottom, between the 2 shoes. From the back side, it should be behind that plug. Of course, if you trying to put the rotors ON, then you should be able to access the adjuster wheel from the front. Loosen it up until the rotors just barely slip over the shoes.

 

[erixon]

So yeah, got everything in smoothly, then putting the wheel back on, noticed there is no tension on a lug nut as I am spinning, and then all of a sudden, SNAP! there goes the stud. Can anyone gimmie any advice on replacing one of these?