Explorer brake pad replacement

[Ave. H Horn]

o.k. all you mechanic types out there, i have a question.
i have changed the pads on my '89 mustang, many times. but this will be the first for my explorer.
any special tricks/ tips/ tools i may need?

 

[7Titles]

shouldnt be, did the 89 Mustang have disc brakes? That was about the time vehicles were moving from drum to disc brakes.

 

[Ave. H Horn]

yes, the mustang had disks, but after having to replace pads about every couple of years (not to mention lots of spongy brakes from light- to- light hops) i changed them to late model 5 lug & put in baer vented discs- made a world of difference; i.e. the car could actually stop!
but as far the explorer, i have never really needed to do work to it, until now. ( it was a recent acquisition for free) so i plan a buyinga chilton's manual, but i wanted to get a feel for the job from anyone who might have experience. I also noticed another brakig problem- when the roads are slick/ wet, and i panic stop- the right side front brake tends to lock very easily. sending me into slides- very scary! any ideas or clues?

 

[accuratehorn]

It's an Explorer. Be glad it didn't flip over.
If one brake works better than the other-could be frozen caliper, no lube on caliper pins or brake backing plates, internally swollen brake hose, air in lines, or one back brake working and the other not, or one badly out of adjustment and the other good.

 

[Boozehound]

Pads should be no biggie, but good luck with the shoes - I hate nothing more in a brake job than finding out the car has drums. Consequently, if at all possible, I will never own a vehicle that doesn't have 4 wheel disc. In other news, chilton manuals....

Factory manuals rule.

 

[7Titles]

Try and find factory manuals on CD on EBAY for like 10 bucks, obviously someone simply copied them illegally but it saves a lot of dough. You will probably have to buy new rotors or have the originals turned. Also since the car is new to you it would be wise to bleed the brakes.