1997 Ford Ranger brakes problems

Filed Jul 10, 2016 · Acceleration, Brakes · 180,000 miles · CA

Idle speed rises to 3,000 RPM in between shifts and while coasting with clutch pedal depressed. Does not drop to normal idle speed until vehicle comes to a complete stop. This causes braking to be less effective.

Filed Feb 2, 2015 · Brakes, Wheels · TX

Wheel bearings keep going out on front tires becoming a real issue and hazard and safety they lock up on road and have gotten slides off road. Afraid it will be worse next time. They have gone out three times and been replaced. They are going out again and fear for our safety but this is our only vehicle for work an appointment need this truck. Please help. I don't have the money to keep replacing but love this truck.

Filed Jul 18, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 145,000 miles · NJ

Reporting numerous serious safety problems with vehicle since purchased used ---original occurrence date not certain but over a number of years mechanical failures occurred that could have resulted in serious injury or fatalities. The failures include but not exclusive to entire brake system failure due to brake lines corroded and leaked all hydraulic fluid --rear body support system gave out during driving and rear wheels and axles not attached to body ---vehicle lost control and went off into shoulder--radial axial arm rusted away and steering system failed while driving. Gas leaks from top of tank if filled to full --leaks on to ground and could result in gas fire and explosion --do not fill tank more than 3/4 ! All brake lines should be replaced and frequent checks of steering and suspension. I am reporting this to make owners aware and take precaution to prevent injury or death..

Filed Apr 20, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 1,500 miles · CA

I own a 1997 ford ranger xlt 4x4 4.0ltr.many shops have work on the front axel wheel bearings and seals and retainer nut this nut takes a socket 2.3/8 r-6 most shops don't have it so they use what ever they have,chisell,locking plyers ect...creating front end damage to wheel bearings,seals, brakes,calipers,brake drums, most of al the tires..I have spent thousands of dollars because they did not use the right tool for the job also did not remove lcking pin from spindel.

Filed Nov 24, 2009 · Brakes · 170,800 miles · NJ

Sudden brake failure --two instances first in sept 2009 and today --severe corrosion on rear brake lines and lose of brake fluid and no brakes ---need to check all 1997 ford rangers xlt for similar problems as can result in a crash. I have had repairs made as afraid of repeat also notice corrosion at front brake lines.

Filed Sep 19, 2009 · Brakes · MI · fire

Drove my 1997 ford ranger truck to lunch at work upon returning sitting down for 10 minutes a coworker ran into the plant saying my truck was on fire my master cylinder for my brakes was on fire and was put out there is alot of damage. I believe was caused by defective ABS break sensor don't know if there is a recall on them or not hope you can help.

Filed Sep 7, 2004 · Brakes · 48,000 miles · CO

Multiple failures of front rotors- stepped on brakes- and pulses and shakes, removed tire to check rotors- rotor cracked- same scenario each time- pass side 1st time 30k (august 1999), 2nd time 48k(april 2001) , 3rd time 58k, pads failed- replaced nov 2001, and jan 2002- replaced caliper and pads.- now has 84k and so far ok. 1st time changed by ford under warranty- 2nd time 18 months later- ford dealer charged $600 + for new rotors- 3rd and 4th time I changed - along with caliper -each time dealer asked to check to make sure that whatever is causing the rotor to fail- please correct- each time they say - just a bad rotor----and when the 48k failure occured- ford claimed to not have a record of the repair- though it was done under warranty-finally after the 3rd failure- figured it made more sense to fix it myself- rather than pay a dealer $650, and have it fail again in 18000 miles.

Filed May 24, 2003 · Airbags, Brakes · MS · crash · fire · 1 injury

1997 ford ranger xlt extended cab. When I applied my brakes, instead of stopping at this "t" hwy intersection, I ran past it, and hit a 12" diameter tree head on. Ice on the road. I was wearing my seat belt. Neither the driver's side nor the passenger side air bags deployed. The indentation on the front bumper was over two feet deep. My head and right side of my body smashed against the steering wheel, and my I broke my left collar bone, fractured and bruised several ribs on my right side, broke my right foot heel bone, cut my nose, plus numerous other minor cuts, bruises and abrasions. After about 45 seconds, a huge ball of fire erupted from under the crumpled hood. I felt the sudden heat on my face, since the windshield was gone and there was a huge gap between the hood and the trucks body. A lady, an angel of god really, helped me out of the truck and into the back seat of her car. She drove about 100 yards to wait for the ambulance to arrive. Before we came to a stop, I heard the two front tires of my truck blow up. All I could see was a ball of fire burning about 20 feet high. Two things seem technically wrong: the air bags didn't deploy, and the fuel pump must have kept pumping fuel, for the fire to spread so rapidly and burn the front of the truck so very completely. This would seem to indicate the possible failure of the air bag crash sensors and the fuel pump safety cutoff switch. My tires were one month old michelins, so they weren't a factor. The truck was in excellent shape and it was carefully maintained and garaged. Everything worked on it and no malfunction indicator lights of any kind were on prior to the accident. I have very good maintenance records on it. I contacted ford by telephone and via e-mail, to let them know of what I thought could be a potential component defect affecting others also. I also contacted their legal office via phone, and they never returned my call.

Filed Dec 4, 2002 · Brakes · CA · crash

Consumer stated that when applying the brake the bracket snap causing a vehicle accident. Dealer notified. Ts

Filed Jul 2, 2002 · Brakes · OH

After 17 thousand miles had to repair front brake calipers.vehicle had reached 28 thousand, and had to replace front calipers. Dealer and manufacturer has been notified ; however , wer unable to remedy the problem.