1991 1999 ford explorer chilton User Manual

Adjusting the rear brakes
Click to enlarge
Adjust the rear brakes with a flat bladed tool inserted in the access hole in the backing plate
The drum brakes are self-adjusting and require a manual adjustment only after the brake shoes have been
replaced.
Disc brakes are not adjustable.
To adjust the rear brakes with drums installed, follow the procedure given below: Raise the vehicle and support it with safety stands.
1. 
Remove the rubber plug from the adjusting slot on the backing plate.
2. 
Turn the...

minimum of drag about 10 to 12 notches. Keep track of the number of turns that the starwheel is
backed off, or the number of strokes taken with the brake adjusting spoon.
Repeat this operation for the other side. When backing off the brakes on the other side, the starwheel
adjuster must be backed off the same number of turns to prevent side-to-side brake pull.
6. 
When all drum brakes are adjusted, remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle and make several
stops while backing the vehicle, to...

Remove the screws that hold the wheel cylinder to the backing plate and remove the wheel cylinder
from the vehicle.
4. 
Installation is the reverse of the above removal procedure. After installation bleed and adjust the
brakes as described earlier in this Section.
5. 
OVERHAUL
Wheel cylinder overhaul kits may be available, but often at little or no savings over a reconditioned wheel
cylinder. It often makes sense with these components to substitute a new or reconditioned part instead of
attempting an...

Compressed air can be used to remove the pistons and seals
Remove the pistons, cup seals and spring from the cylinder
Wash the cylinder and metal parts in denatured alcohol or clean brake fluid.
4.  HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
1034 OVERHAUL 

Use brake fluid and a soft brush to clean the pistons ...
... and the bore of the wheel cylinder WARNING
Never use a mineral-based solvent such as gasoline, kerosene or paint thinner for cleaning purposes. These
solvents will swell rubber components and quickly deteriorate them.
Allow the parts to air dry or use compressed air. Do not use rags for cleaning, since lint will remain in
the cylinder bore.
5. 
Inspect the piston and replace it if it shows scratches.
6.  HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
OVERHAUL 1035 

Once cleaned and inspected, the wheel cylinder is ready for assembly
Lubricate the cylinder bore and seals using clean brake fluid.
7. 
Position the spring assembly.
8. 
Install the inner seals, then the pistons.
9. 
Lubricate the cup seals with brake fluidHOW TO USE THIS BOOK
1036 OVERHAUL 

Install the spring, then the cup seals in the bore
Lightly lubricate the pistons, then install them
Insert the new boots into the counterbores by hand. Do not lubricate the boots.
10.  HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
OVERHAUL 1037 

The boots can now be installed over the wheel cylinder ends
Install the wheel cylinder.
11. 
Chilton® Automotive Information Systems. © 2004 Thomson Delmar Learning. HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
1038 OVERHAUL 

REAR DISC BRAKES
General Information
Rear disc brakes were used on all Mountaineers and 1995-99 Explorers.
The system utilizes a drum-in-hat type rear brake rotor. The integral drum allows the use of a
drum-and-shoe type parking brake system. All other components are similar to their front disc brake
components.
Brake Pads
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Exploded view of the rear disc brake assemblyClick to enlarge
CAUTION
Older brake pads or shoes may contain asbestos, which has been determined to be a cancer...

Use care to retain as much of the original caliper slide pin grease as possible.
Work the rear brake caliper off of the brake pads and adapter mount.
6. 
Position the caliper on a frame member or suspend it with some wire. Do not allow the caliper to hang
by the brake hose.
7. 
Remove and discard the pad slippers.
8. 
Remove the outboard brake pad by pressing it in enough to release the locating lug at one end then
swing it up to release the other end.
9. 
Remove the inboard brake pad by tilting it...