Ranger 2WD L4-2.3L VIN D (2001)
Wheel Cylinder: All Technical Service Bulletins
Brakes/Steering - Pull to The Left or Right Upon Braking
Article No.
03-9-4
05/12/03
BRAKES - BRAKE PULL - 4X2 (NON-EDGE), COIL
SPRING EQUIPPED RANGER ONLY
FORD:
2001-2002 RANGER
Article 02-10-10 is being republished in its entirety to clarify model coverage.
ISSUE
Some 4x2, (non-Edge), coil spring equipped Ranger vehicles, may exhibit a pull to right or left while braking. Brake pull is a complex condition
involving the suspension geometry, changing camber under load during braking and is extremely sensitive to road surface. It may be caused by tire
mismatch, alignment, brake imbalance, damaged, worn or loose parts or possibly the lower control arm bushings used in production.
ACTION
Refer to the following Diagnostic Procedures/Tips to help diagnose and correct brake pull.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE
THE FOLLOWING STEPS SHOULD BE PERFORMED IN THE GENERAL ORDER AS LISTED.
Diagnostic Procedure 1
1.
Set tire pressures to specification (listed inside door). Check for uneven tire wear.
2.
Check for loose, damaged or excessively worn parts. Visually inspect for front or rear brake wear, contamination, leaks etc. Service as required.
Visually inspect front suspension for loose or worn components (ie: ball joints, control arm bushings, alignment adjusters, steering linkage, etc.)
Service as required.
3.
Check ride height, side to side, in the front of the vehicle (ie: possible weak spring on one side). Check alignment against published specification.
Loosen all four U-bolts on each side of the rear axle, make sure the axle is at a zero thrust angle, and re-torque all bolts to specification: 76 Lb-ft.
(103 N.m).
4.
Bleed the brake system to remove any trapped air.
If no obvious concerns are found from Steps 1-4 of Diagnostic Procedure 1, continue with further diagnosis.
Diagnostic Procedure 2
1.
Disable the ABS for diagnostic purposes (momentary/uncommanded ABS can cause a brake pull). Inspect the tone rings for damage (ie: bent,
chipped, missing teeth). Check wheel speed sensor output with WDS oscilloscope or HZ meter (watch for signal drop out, indicating lock up).
Replace failed components as necessary.
2.
Check for front wheel rotational drag with warm/hot brakes:
a.
Make a series of 10 stops from speeds of 30 mph (48 km/h).
b.
Make the 10 stops with no more than 30 second intervals between stops. This generally will induce a maximum pull if there is a pull
condition.
c.
Raise the front end of the vehicle so that both tires are off the ground.
d.
Rotate the front wheels by hand. Both tires should rotate about the same amount, with little brake drag occurring. Some brake drag will
naturally be present.
3.
If the vehicle has excess brake drag, proceed as follows:
a.
Open the bleed screw on the affected wheel to check for residual pressure in the brake lines. If there is a squirt of brake fluid out of the
