Parts for your 2006 Ford Territory-Brake shoes

2006 Ford Territory brake shoes — what they do and when to replace them

According to technical references — including the Ford Territory SX/SY workshop manual, Australian brake catalogues from major suppliers (which list dedicated park-brake shoes for Territory 2004–2016), and rear rotor specifications showing a drum-in-hat design — the 2006 Ford Territory does use brake shoes. They’re the small parking (handbrake) shoes that sit inside the rear brake rotor hat, while the primary braking is handled by rear disc calipers and pads.

On a 2006 Territory, the brake shoes aren’t there to haul the car down from speed. Their job is to securely hold the vehicle when parked. When the handbrake lever is pulled, those internal shoes expand against the drum surface machined into the rear rotor “hat,” locking the rear wheels. Because they only work at low speed or when stationary, they typically wear more slowly than disc pads, but they can glaze, go out of adjustment, or become contaminated with dust or moisture over time.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the park-brake shoes whenever the rear rotors are off — or at least every 20,000–30,000 kilometres. Look for adequate lining thickness, even wear, cracks, or contamination. Replace shoes in axle pairs and refresh the return springs/retainers if they’re tired. It’s also good practice to lightly de-glaze the drum surface inside the rotor hat and clean everything with brake cleaner (no oils or grease on friction surfaces).

Adjustment matters. After refitting, set the shoe adjuster so there’s a light, even drag with the rotor installed, then check handbrake lever travel in the cabin. Cable free-play should be corrected only after the shoes are correctly adjusted — not the other way around. A short bedding-in drive (slow rolls with gentle handbrake applications on a quiet, flat road) helps the new shoes seat without overheating.

• Signs the Territory’s park-brake shoes need attention: excessive lever travel, poor holding on hills, scraping/grinding sounds inside the rear rotor hat, or a hot rear wheel after parking.
• Avoid driving with the handbrake partially on — it glazes the linings and can blue the drum surface.
• If the shoes are oil- or grease-soaked, replace them, cleaning won’t restore reliable bite.

Done right, fresh, correctly adjusted brake shoes will give that positive, confident hold that Territory owners expect when parked on Aussie or Kiwi hills.

Do all 2006 Ford Territory models have brake shoes?

Yes. Every 2006 Territory uses rear disc brakes for normal stopping and a separate set of small drum-style brake shoes inside the rear rotor hat for the parking brake. Even high-spec models keep this setup.

How often should the parking brake shoes be replaced?

There’s no fixed kilometre interval because wear depends on usage and adjustment. Inspect them during major services or whenever the rear rotors are off. Replace if the linings are thin, cracked, glazed, or contaminated, or if the handbrake can’t hold properly after a correct adjustment.

Why does my Territory’s handbrake lever travel feel long?

Usually the shoes are out of adjustment, the hardware is worn, or the shoes are glazed. Start with a shoe adjustment at the wheel end, then set cable free-play if needed. If the lever still travels too far, the shoes and springs may be due for replacement.