Failed inspection for rear brakes, what are options?

[magnj]

I just got a 90 5.0 hatch. Had to get it inspected, assumed I would fail for my airbag light blinking and emissions but instead I only failed for my rear brakes. Apparently one side is completely shot and the other side has like 10% braking power. The front's are fine. SO I know I could probably just go get new drums and be done with it but I was hoping to get through the winter and do a rear end swap in the spring.

Basically I'm wondering if in the 45 day time limit for getting my next inspection do I have time to do a rear end swap when I go to school 4 days a week and have no experience with this type of work. Could me and a few friends do it in 1 or two weekends if I do my homework or am I being ambitious?

And for the record I mean a SN95 rear swap so that I could get the discs, gears and 5lug in one shot.

Thanks stangnet

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

Spend the $20 and get some new shoes, so you can pass the inspection. Then you have until your next inspection to worry about it. Do a search on the 5 lug swap, there should be TONS of info covering the rear end swap, but it shouldn't take long at all. Could easily be done in a day.

 

[magnj]

Ok so it's just the shoes that are bad and not the whole assembly? Because they gave me this little chart and on the one wheel it has NO power and the other it has maybe 10-20%

 

[RYC CUKR]

The drums probably should be replaced but if you are going to end up doing a rear swap then I would just throw some new shoes on it and let it fly. That should get you through the inspection.

 

[HISSIN50]

Your wheel cylinders might also be shot. They're what apply outward pressure on the shoes (to make them bite into the drums).

 

[bloopbloob]

As mentioned above, it could also be wheel cylinders. have you personally seen the brakes? If not, pull your wheel and drum, and check the small cylinder at the top of the brake system. If you see fluid you need a new cylinder, which is only about $10, and can be done in only a couple minutes with basic tools. Are you low on fluid in your reservoir? If not, its likely pads.

 

[magnj]

Ok, I will check that out, thanks a lot.
If I do need new drums, should I do it myself or pay for someone to do it, mind you I have never done it before but I think I can handle it...
From what I hear, bleeding is the biggest pain.

 

[bill302]

I would do it myself buy a haynes manual at the parts store it can help alot with brake work.and post where you live in your profile there may be a member in your area who can help you, also check out your local mustang forums. I have a local forum i post on and we help each other out alot..also if you have a digital camera and take some pictures we can help you by looking at the pics.