Parts for your 2020 Ford Ranger-Brake shoes

2020 Ford Ranger brake shoes: what they do and when to replace them

Brake shoes are relevant to most 2020 Ford Ranger utes. Technical sources including the Ford Australia 2020 Ranger specifications and the Ford Workshop Manual (Section 206‑02, Rear Drum Brake) confirm that non‑Raptor PX MkIII Rangers use rear drum brakes with brake shoes, while the Ranger Raptor runs rear discs and has no brake shoes. Major parts catalogues used in workshops (e.g., Ford OE parts listings and aftermarket catalogues from Bendix and similar) also list rear brake shoe kits for 2011–2021 T6 Rangers excluding Raptor, reinforcing fitment on the 2020 lineup.

On 2020 Rangers with drums at the back, the brake shoes are the curved friction linings that press outward against the inside of the drum to slow the ute. They also do the heavy lifting for the park brake. They’re built for durability and steady braking performance, especially under load and in dusty or muddy conditions common across Australia and New Zealand.

During servicing, a tech will check shoe lining thickness, drum condition, and the self‑adjusters. Shoes should be replaced in axle pairs if the friction material is worn close to the service limit (typically around 1.5–2.0 mm), is cracked or glazed, or if they’ve been contaminated by oil from a leaking axle seal or brake fluid from a weeping wheel cylinder. Drums should be measured for diameter and out‑of‑round, if they’re over the maximum diameter or heat‑checked, replace them rather than machining.

• Inspect every 10,000–20,000 km or at each service, sooner after sand, mud, or water crossings.
• Replace shoes as a set per axle, renew or clean/adjust the hardware, springs, and self‑adjusters.
• Check wheel cylinders for leaks and operation, flush brake fluid at least every 2 years.
• Adjust the handbrake to spec after shoe fitment and verify even rear brake balance on a brake tester.

After new shoes or drums, bed them in with light to moderate stops over the first 200–300 km. Avoid hard braking straight away to let the linings conform. Towing, big loads, and off‑road work can shorten shoe life, so owners who use their Ranger as a proper workhorse should plan more frequent checks.

If the ute is a 2020 Ranger Raptor, brake shoes don’t apply because it uses rear disc brakes. For every other 2020 Ranger variant, keeping the rear shoes in good nick is key to confident stopping and a solid park brake feel.

Does my 2020 Ford Ranger have brake shoes?

Yes for most variants: XL, XLS, XLT, and Wildtrak models run rear drum brakes with shoes. The exception is the 2020 Ranger Raptor, which has rear discs and no brake shoes. A quick visual through the rear wheel (drum vs disc) or checking the VIN with a parts catalogue will confirm it.

How long do the rear brake shoes last?

It varies with use. Many Rangers see 80,000–150,000 km from the rear shoes in mixed driving. Heavy towing, steep terrain, or lots of off‑road dust and water can cut that down. If there’s a spongy park brake, scraping noises, or poor rear brake balance, it’s time to inspect.

What else should be replaced with new brake shoes?

Best practice is to renew the shoe hardware (springs and hold‑downs), clean and lubricate the shoe contact points, inspect/replace self‑adjusters, check wheel cylinders, and measure the drums. If drums are worn beyond spec, replace them. Finish with a brake fluid flush and park brake adjustment.