What the best way to adjust the rear drum brakes on a 02 ranger??

 

they automaticly ajust when you stop from driving in reverse... so maybe go to am empty parking lot and do a few reverse stops...

but if not, you can take the drum off and there is a small star wheel that spreads the shoes...

 

Should be a hole at the bottom of the backing plate to adjust them with a brake spoon. Put the rear on stands and spin the wheels occasionally while you are adjusting to make sure you don't overtighten them. I don't think you have to take the drums off.

 

If you need to adjust your brakes with a spoon, something is wrong. The self adjusters should be doing that for you every time you stop while rolling in reverse.

It is common for an adjuster to seize up due to rust or dirt. It is fairly easy to remove it, clean it and apply a small amount of brake grease to the threads. Just be sure to install it the way it came off. If it is on backwards, it won't work.

 

i am really suprised drum brakes are evan still used... seems like old technolgy to me... an they are a PITA so replace shoes...

 

^yeah I like you have always wondered the same thing. I wonder what was the last car to use drums all the way around? I know on the more sporty cars/trucks of today rear discs are standard. I think the 2006 Eclispe rally art has the most insane brake setup. 8 piston up front, 4 piston out back all of which use drilled and slotted rotors and come from Bremo.