Questions and Answers

Ford Explorer Rear Brakes Lockup Q. Hello, I have recent inherited my now deceased Father-In-Law's 1992 Ford Explorer XLT. He purchased it used in 1994 with 29,000 on it. Since then he put only 7,000 more miles. So now I am the proud owner of 1992 Explorer with only 36,000 on it. The interior is immaculate but the outside is crap.

It sat under a tree for most of the past 10 years so it needs a new paint job. But, I can live with that for awhile.

My problem/concern is with a nagging problem the truck's had for the past 6 or so years. The rear brakes tend to stick. Usually, you can just feed it a little more gas and you can feel the brakes release. It's almost like the emergency brake is on, even though it is clearly disengaged. On one occasion, when I happen to be driving it, about 4 years ago, the brakes locked up so tight the vehicle wouldn't budge.

We had to call AAA to get it towed in and it was quite a sight to see the tow truck operator yanking it up on the flatbed with the rear wheels firmly locked. We took it to a mechanic who had to literally beat the rear drums off, but couldn't find anything wrong.

Since then, it has supposedly been serviced multiple times to correct the problem. Frankly, since it was my Mother and Brother in law dealing with it (neither of which are mechanically inclined), and with what few miles it has on it, I'm not sure the problem has ever been truly addressed.

Any thoughts as to what could be causing such a thing? Out of adjustment? Bad ABS sensor?

Alan

A. Well, having been sitting for the better part of ten years, I would have to say the brake hydraulic system needs some serious work.

If it were my truck, I would replace all the hydraulic parts, master cylinder, proportioning valve, calipers and wheel cylinders. Then flush the whole system with fresh brake fluid. In addition since the parking brake cables are almost certainly frozen, I would replace them as well.

This may seem like overkill to you, but I wouldn't want to drive a vehicle with questionable brakes, mush less put my wife and kids in it. I want to KNOW the brakes and all the associated parts are good.