how important are back brakes?

Question

we have a ford econoline van with rear drum brakes that do not pass inspection. from what i was told, its metal grinding on metal back there. we are about to leave on an 8 day trip during which we will be towing a trailer full of musical equipment. the front brakes are new. the van stops fine and i honestly never would have noticed anything was wrong if someone hadnt told me. how important is it that we get these fixed? life-and-death important? please advise. thanks!

Answer 1

yes it is LIFE-AND-DEATH IMPORTANT, specially towing a trailer with some weight in it.if the rear brakes do not work the front has to do all the work.in a wet road( for example) during panic braking the front tires will lock-up .this will cause vehicle to go into hydroplaning(tires literally floating on water)no effective braking or vehicle control will be achieve,leading to an accident.you did not stated the year of the vehicle,i am assuming it does not have ABS but even if it does the rear brakes need to work for the system to perform properly.get them fix before your trip so you are able to come home safe.

Answer 2

They balance the braking effort. They will contact everytime you use the brakes and can freeze up against the drum. You will loose control. You will have no braking going backwards. If you are towing a trailer the front brakes may be overloaded. It only costs about $100.00 to get them fixed, why take a chance?

Answer 3

You need to have rear brakes to settle the aft end of your van, especially during hard braking. You don't want your trailer pushing you around, either. You probably just need new shoes.

If you're traveling in an Econoline, take a fire extinguisher, too.

Answer 4

I think that in any type of situation where people are hurt no amount of brakes was enough. Four good working brakes help keep the vehicle under more control if the situation should arise where two werent enough. Now as far as the law is concerned and the insurance companies... have an accident with any kind of faulty brakes and you not them end up paying the bill.

Answer 5

Towing? On the highway? Without rear brakes? I hope you have good insurance to pay for the lawsuits and nothing to do for the next 7-10 years when they send you up for involuntary manslaughter. Fix your brakes. $250, drums and everything. Don't be an idiot for $250.

Answer 6

New drums are only about $50.00 each. Shoes can be found for as little as $15.00 a set. A Haynes manual is only $15.00. A mechanic? That's a little more.

Fix your brakes! Or the next gig you play will be in front of St. Peter.

Answer 7

Slam on those brakes and your van will fishtail. Not fun and dangerous. Find you a shade tree mechanic friend. You can get these serviced fairly cheap if someone helps you do it.

Answer 8

Back brakes play an important role . when braking for emergency circumstances ....especially if under winter conditions ...especially w/ a trailer ,,,,,injury and damages incurred could be on your head knowing you neglected them ....cheaper to fix them before your trip ,... before possible concequences ....

Answer 9

My Ford van does't have any back brakes and I still drive it, I just don't go on long trips or over mountains :(

oh,and you probably shouldn't be towing trailers although I have, just leave your self lots of room :(

Answer 10

70% of braking is in the front of the car for forward control. 30% is at the back where it stabilizes the rear and prevents the car from jittering sideways.