URGENT HELP - Replacing Handbrake/Parking Brake Shoes on 1998 Explorer - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

axlrose · 10-27-2009, 01:06

Hi My 1998 Explorer has just failed Mot due to the Handbrake/parking brake not up to scratch.
So got some new shoes and my friend & I started the job of replacing the old ones at weekend.
We both expected it to be simple just off with wheel,remove caliper & disc then off with drum and deal with shoes.
But when it got down to the drum it is solid & wont budge even with assistance of a few taps with hammer.
Can anyone please give any help with this problem and if possible point me in the right direction of where to get some pictures/diagrams of procedure coz the Haynes Manual i've got is useless!
Must stress the handbrake is operated by hand with lever in centre console and not by a foot pedal.
Be grateful off any assistance as only got till November 5th before present MoT expires!!

Cheers and thanks
Axl
__________________

1998 Automatic, 64,000 miles, Green Over Silver, Metallic Green over Silver V6 Explorer. Full leather interior, Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Electric Seats, Windows and Sunroof, ABS

**Bert** · 10-27-2009, 09:50

Put the calipers back on as though you are done so the brake pedal works. Then with the rear off the ground and the wheels off, run the car in gear and hit the prakes a few times forward and a few times in reverse. The rotor/drum combination should break loose from the rust.

axlrose · 10-27-2009, 12:01

Thanks for the advice will try it tomorrow night when we try again. Never known a brake disc/drum be so stubborn!

Also does anyone know where I can download the details from a service manual like Haynes or similair showing the details and pics for changing the parking brake shoes for further reference.

Thanx

**Bert** · 10-27-2009, 12:30

Just do one side at a time so you can refer to the other side while you change it. They're pretty simple to do. Take the upper and lower springs out, then the hold down springs and reverse the procedure. Once you get the disc off, you'll see it's pretty easy.

axlrose · 10-27-2009, 13:09

Thanks for advice will try to get the job done tomorrow night; so fingers crossed will be successful. Will let you know the result & hopefully not have to ask for anymore advice!!