Parts for your 2007 Ford Ranger-Brake shoes

2007 Ford Ranger brake shoes — what they do and how to look after them

Yes, brake shoes are absolutely used on the 2007 Ford Ranger. Technical references including the Ford Workshop Manual (2007 Ranger, Section 206-03), the Haynes Ford Ranger & Mazda B‑Series 1993–2011 manual, and common parts catalogues from Motorcraft and Bendix all specify rear drum brakes with brake shoes for this model year. That applies to both the PJ/PH Ranger sold in Australia and New Zealand and the North American 2007 Ranger: front discs with pads, rear drums with shoes. The rear shoes also serve the park brake, so keeping them in good nick isn’t just about stopping power, it’s about holding the ute securely when it’s parked or towing.

Brake shoes sit inside the rear brake drum. When the driver presses the pedal, the wheel cylinder pushes the shoes outwards so their friction lining bites into the drum’s inner surface, converting speed into heat and slowing the vehicle. Because the park brake acts directly on these shoes, worn linings or sticky adjusters can show up as more handbrake clicks or poor holding on hills. They’re robust, but they do wear and can glaze, crack, or get contaminated by a weeping wheel cylinder.

For routine servicing, a workshop should inspect the rear shoes at least every 20,000 km or 12 months, and more often if the Ranger tows, carries heavy loads, or sees dusty tracks. Replace the shoes when the lining reaches the manufacturer’s minimum (typically around 1.5–2.0 mm), if there’s cracking or oil contamination, or if the drum I/D is beyond spec.

• Always replace shoes in axle pairs and fit a new hardware/spring kit — tired springs cause noise and uneven wear.
• Measure and machine or replace drums if they’re out of round, heat‑spotted, or beyond maximum diameter.
• Clean and free up the star-wheel adjusters, a dab of high‑temp brake grease on the threads helps them keep adjusting.
• Check wheel cylinders for leaks and smooth operation, renew if there’s any dampness under the dust boots.
• Bleed and refresh brake fluid every 2 years with the specified DOT 3 (or DOT 4 where listed on the cap/manual).

After new shoes, bed them in with a handful of gentle stops from 50–60 km/h, allowing cool-down between applications. A correctly adjusted, clean rear drum setup will give the Ranger strong, stable braking and a firm, reliable park brake.

Does a 2007 Ford Ranger have rear brake shoes?

Yes. Technical sources including the Ford Workshop Manual, the Haynes repair manual, and Motorcraft/Bendix catalogues confirm the 2007 Ranger (including PJ/PH in AU/NZ) uses rear drum brakes with brake shoes. The park brake also acts on these shoes.

How often should the rear brake shoes be replaced?

There’s no fixed kilometre number because it depends on driving, loads, and terrain. Have them inspected every 20,000 km or 12 months. If the linings are at the minimum thickness, contaminated, cracked, or the drums are out of spec, it’s time to replace. Utes that tow or see off‑road work may need attention sooner.

Can just one side be replaced?

No. Brake shoes must be replaced in axle pairs for even braking. It’s also smart to fit a new spring/hardware kit, check or machine the drums, and inspect wheel cylinders at the same time.