Parts for your 2017 Ford Ranger-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes on the 2017 Ford Ranger: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2017 Ford Ranger, it's important to understand the type of braking system this vehicle uses before jumping into any parts or maintenance talk. Modern vehicles, especially pickup trucks like the Ranger, often use a mix of disc and drum brakes depending on the model and trim. For the 2017 Ford Ranger, brake shoes are not a relevant or used component because this model employs disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels.

So why no brake shoes? Brake shoes are a key part of drum brake systems, where the shoes press outward against a drum to create the friction needed to slow or stop the vehicle. However, the 2017 Ford Ranger features disc brakes, which operate with brake pads squeezing a spinning disc to achieve the same stopping force. Disc brakes have become the industry standard on most modern vehicles, including trucks, because they offer better braking performance, are easier to service, and dissipate heat more effectively reducing the risk of brake fade during heavy use.

Drum brakes and brake shoes are more commonly found on older vehicles or on the rear wheels of some vehicles where lower braking demands apply. Given the Ranger's size, weight, and performance requirements, Ford has opted for disc brakes all around to ensure reliable and consistent stopping power.

Since brake shoes are not fitted to the 2017 Ford Ranger, any references to brake shoe maintenance or replacement won't be applicable. Instead, owners should focus on the disc brake components such as brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid during servicing.

That said, understanding brake shoes can still be handy for anyone interested in vehicle braking systems or working on older vehicles. Brake shoes are curved pieces of friction material bonded or riveted to a metal backing plate, housed inside a brake drum. When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure pushes the shoes outward so they clamp the inside of the rotating drum, generating friction which slows the wheel.

Brake shoes need regular inspections because they wear down over time and their effectiveness diminishes if the lining becomes too thin. If not replaced in time, the metal backing can come into direct contact with the drum causing damage and greatly increasing repair costs. Maintaining proper brake shoe condition means safer braking and can prevent more costly repairs down the track.

For those with vehicles that still use drum brakes, routine checks involve:

• Measuring the lining thickness to ensure it's above the manufacturer's minimum specification
• Checking for uneven wear or cracks which could indicate other brake system issues
• Inspecting the drum surface for scoring or wear which might require resurfacing or replacing

Replacement of brake shoes is typically recommended if the lining is worn to below about 3 millimetres or if any damage is evident. Fortunately, this is a relatively affordable and straightforward part to replace compared to some other brake system components.

But for 2017 Ford Ranger owners, the focus shifts to the disc brake setup. Regular servicing should include checking the brake pads and rotors, bleeding the brake fluid to remove any air, and inspecting the calipers and brake lines. Proper maintenance ensures the truck stops on a dime and handles heavy loads safely, especially when towing or driving off-road.