Rob Hawkins looks at routine servicing of brake drums and combined discs and drums.
-
Brake drums have largely been superseded by discs, but they are still used on a wide range of vehicles on the rear and some models may have disc brakes all round, but incorporate a drum set-up at the rear for the handbrake. The trouble with brake drums is that they often get neglected because they are potentially more awkward to service and inspect than a brake disc set-up. It’s only when a problem arises, such as an inefficient or dragging handbrake, that it’s time to remove the drums and take a look. However, routine servicing can ensure they last for several years and only need an annual clean and lubrication to keep them in good working order.
So, the following pages outline what’s generally involved in servicing drum brakes. There are numerous differences, including the means of adjusting the brake shoes (automatic or manual), how the drum is secured and the seemingly complicated layout of the brake shoes with a bewildering assortment of springs.
Ford’s long-lasting pick-up has a reputation for being a durable and robust workhorse. We had the chance to help service a 2006-plate Ranger 4x4, which has a 2.5-litre diesel engine. Most of the Rangers from this era, and those that are of the age where DIY servicing appeals, have the 2.5-litre diesel engine with a manual gearbox and four-wheel drive.
Differences may be minor, but they’re important when it comes to servicing. For instance, the rear drum brakes are self-adjusting on some models, whereas other owners have an access hole on the
backplate at the bottom that allows the brake shoe adjuster to be turned.
The correct specification of oil required for the engine, gearbox and rear axle varies, so it’s worthwhile checking with a local motor factor, or online where motor factors such as Euro Car Parts
(eurocarparts.com) and oil specialists such as Millers Oils (millersoils.co.uk)
list the recommended lubricants. We also discovered the service schedules vary between different sources, so we consulted Ford USA and Autodata to compile a suitable list.
The following steps provide a general overview of what’s involved in servicing a Ford Ranger and were all completed with Tasker and Lacy of Leeds.