Parts for your 2020 Ford Ranger-Brake wheel cylinders

Brake Wheel Cylinders on the 2020 Ford Ranger: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the brake system on the 2020 Ford Ranger, understanding the role of various components is key to keeping the vehicle running safely and smoothly. One common question that pops up is about the presence and relevance of brake wheel cylinders on this particular model. So, do 2020 Ford Rangers use brake wheel cylinders? The quick answer is no - and here's why.

The 2020 Ford Ranger, like many modern vehicles, features disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes or disc brakes on the rear depending on the specific model and brake package fitted. However, most 2020 Ford Ranger variants actually come with rear disc brakes rather than drum brakes. Because brake wheel cylinders are a crucial component of drum brake systems, they are not typically used on aftermarket disc brake setups, nor on vehicles that carry rear disc brakes from the factory. In this case, the 2020 Ranger's rear brakes use calipers and pads, rendering the brake wheel cylinders unnecessary.

Brake wheel cylinders are mostly found in older or more basic braking systems with drum brakes. Their job is to push the brake shoes outwards against the drum, creating friction to slow the vehicle down. With disc brakes, the caliper performs the job that wheel cylinders would do, squeezing the brake pads against the rotor instead. So for drivers and mechanics regularly working on a 2020 Ford Ranger, you won't find or need brake wheel cylinders.

Here's a closer look at why brake wheel cylinders aren't relevant on the 2020 Ranger and what that means for maintenance:

• Rear Disc Brakes: The prevalent use of disc brakes on the rear of the 2020 Ranger eliminates the need for brake wheel cylinders entirely.
• Disc vs Drum: Brake wheel cylinders operate by activating brake shoes inside a drum. Since the Ranger's rear brakes don't have drums, there are no cylinders required.
• Modern Brake Systems: Disc brakes are more efficient and easier to maintain, which is why they have largely replaced drum brakes in newer vehicles like the 2020 Ranger.

For those curious about brake wheel cylinders because of past experience with older trucks or cars, it's important to note how maintenance differs when you don't have these parts. Instead of checking and possibly replacing wheel cylinders, Ranger owners should focus elsewhere.

With disc brake systems, maintenance is centred around the calipers, brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid. Regular inspections ensure that the pads don't wear down too thin, the rotors remain smooth and free from major grooves, and the calipers slide and operate correctly. Brake fluid quality and levels are also critical, with old or contaminated fluid affecting braking performance.

While no brake wheel cylinders exist to leak or seize, calipers can sometimes stick or their seals can wear out, causing issues to be addressed during servicing. So technicians or DIYers doing brake maintenance on a 2020 Ford Ranger should:

1. Inspect brake pads for wear and replace them when thickness is low.
2. Check rotors for warping, scoring, or cracks, resurfacing or replacing as needed.
3. Ensure the brake calipers are functioning smoothly without sticking or dragging.
4. Flush and refill brake fluid according to manufacturer recommendations to prevent moisture buildup and corrosion.
5. Listen for unusual noises and test braking feel to catch any developing problems early.

Brake wheel cylinders do serve an important role in drum brake systems, but many newer trucks like the 2020 Ford Ranger have moved on to more modern disc brake setups for reliability and better stopping power. It means less fuss over wheel cylinder maintenance and more focus on calipers and pads. So if you're getting your Ranger serviced, rest assured the brake system is designed to be straightforward and robust without wheel cylinders to worry about.