How to Replace Parking Brake and Hardware 02-10 Ford Explorer
Difficulty: Intermediate · About 105 min · Ford Explorer
Replace rear parking-brake shoes and hardware on a 2002–2010 Ford Explorer, lubricating backing-plate contact points and adjusting the shoes before the road test.
Tools you will need
- Large C-Clamp
- Socket Extensions
- Torque Wrench
- Hammer
- Jack Stands
- 19mm Socket
- Flat Blade Screwdriver
- 1/4 Inch Socket
- Bungee Cord
- White Grease
- 10mm Socket
- Ratchet
- Wire Brush
- Floor Jack
- Needle nose pliers
- 1/2 Inch Breaker Bar
Parts and supplies
- Rear parking-brake shoes
- Parking-brake hardware kit, if worn
Steps
Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel
Release the parking brake, loosen the wheel nuts, raise and support the Explorer, then remove the wheel. Keep the opposite side assembled as a reference.
Remove the caliper and rotor
Remove the caliper fasteners and support the caliper without straining the hose. Remove the rotor; if stuck, back off the shoe adjuster before tapping it free.
Disassemble the parking-brake hardware
Photograph the spring layout, then remove the return springs, adjuster, retainers, and shoes. Keep the left and right pieces separate if their parts differ.
Install the new shoes
Brush the backing plate contact pads and apply a small amount of suitable lubricant. Reinstall the shoes, retaining pins, adjuster, and springs in the original arrangement.
Adjust shoes and restore the service brakes
Set the shoe adjustment so the rotor turns with slight drag. Reinstall the rotor, pads, and caliper, compressing the piston slowly and tightening fasteners to specification.
Refit the wheel and test
Reinstall the wheel and torque its lug nuts to specification. Pump the brake pedal until firm, check parking-brake hold and release, then test at low speed.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.