A Guide to the 1968-1976 Mercury Montego Drum Brake Hardware Kit
The small springs and clips in your rear brakes are just as important as the brake shoes themselves.
- Always replace the drum brake hardware kit when installing new brake shoes to ensure proper performance.
- Before ordering, you must verify the specific width of your Montego's rear brake shoes (e.g., 2", 2.25", or 2.5").
- Aftermarket brands like Carlson, Centric, and Dorman offer reliable, budget-friendly kits that are perfect for this vehicle.
- Failing hardware can cause brake drag, leading to overheating and premature wear of shoes and drums.
Symptoms of Failing Drum Brake Hardware
For a classic car like the 1968-1976 Mercury Montego, the original brake hardware is often decades old. The springs lose their tension over time, leading to several noticeable problems. Ignoring them can cause damage to other brake parts.
- Scraping or Clicking Noises: When you apply or release the brakes, you might hear clicks or light scraping. This can be a sign of weak or broken springs allowing the brake shoes to shift improperly.
- Brakes Dragging: If the return springs are weak, they can't pull the brake shoes fully away from the drum. This causes constant friction, which you might feel as a slight drag or sluggishness. This also generates excessive heat, which can lead to faster wear.
- Poor Parking Brake Performance: The parking brake on your Montego uses the rear drum brakes. If the hardware is worn, the shoes may not hold firmly against the drum, causing the car to roll slightly even when the parking brake is fully engaged.
- Premature or Uneven Brake Shoe Wear: When hardware fails, shoes can sit at a slight angle or drag, causing them to wear out much faster than expected.
CRITICAL: Check Your Brake Size Before Ordering!
The most common mistake when ordering brake parts for a 1968-1976 Montego is getting the wrong size. Ford and Mercury used different brake sizes on these cars depending on the year, engine, and body style (sedan vs. wagon). While most use 10-inch diameter drums, the width of the brake shoes can be 2 inches, 2.25 inches, or 2.5 inches. The hardware kit you buy must match your specific brake shoe width. Always measure your old parts or consult a service manual before you order.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
For a vehicle of this age, new original equipment (OEM) hardware from Ford is no longer available. The good news is that aftermarket companies produce high-quality kits that meet or exceed the original specifications. When replacing your brake shoes, you should always install a new hardware kit at the same time. It is a low-cost part that ensures your new shoes work perfectly.
Brand Tiers for Your Montego
The brands available for your Montego are all well-regarded and provide reliable performance for a daily-driven classic car. There isn't a "bad" choice, but here's how they generally compare:
- Standard & Reliable (Carlson, Centric, Dorman): These brands are the industry standard for aftermarket brake hardware. Kits from Carlson, Centric, and Dorman are known to be complete and fit correctly. For most Montego owners, a kit from any of these brands is an excellent and affordable choice that will restore proper brake function.
- Potential Upgrade (Dynamic Friction): Some reports suggest that brands like Dynamic Friction (DFC) may use higher-grade materials in their kits, such as more stainless steel components compared to the zinc-plated steel common in other kits. While not essential, this could offer slightly better corrosion resistance over the long term.
Pro Tip: One Side at a Time
When you are replacing your drum brake hardware, only disassemble one side of the car at a time. Leave the other side assembled so you have a perfect reference for how the springs and clips are supposed to be installed. Taking a few photos with your phone before you start is also a great way to ensure everything goes back together correctly.
Cost of Drum Brake Hardware Kits for a 1968-1976 Mercury Montego
| Part Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Hardware Kit | $12 - $25 | This is the standard and recommended option. Price includes springs and hardware for both rear wheels. |
| New OEM Hardware Kit | Not Available | Original Ford parts for this model are no longer in production. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to replace the hardware with the shoes?
Yes, absolutely. The old springs have been through millions of cycles of heating and stretching. They lose their tension and can't properly retract the new, thicker brake shoes. A new hardware kit is a small price to pay to ensure your brake job works correctly and lasts a long time.
What comes in a typical drum brake hardware kit?
A complete kit will include all the parts for both the left and right rear wheels. This includes the primary return springs, secondary return springs, hold-down springs, pins, and clips needed for one axle.
Are there any recalls for Montego brake hardware?
No. There are no NHTSA recalls or safety campaigns related to the drum brake hardware for the 1968-1976 Mercury Montego. Brake hardware is considered a standard maintenance and wear item.
Should I also replace the self-adjuster?
Yes, it's a good idea. The self-adjuster mechanism keeps the shoes at the right distance from the drum as they wear down. These can seize with rust and age. Many comprehensive hardware kits include the self-adjuster components, or they can be purchased separately.
Technical Specifications
The key specification is not a part number, but the size of the brake drum system the kit is for. Most Montegos use a 10-inch diameter rear drum, but the shoe width varies. You must match the hardware kit to your vehicle's specific brake shoe width.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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- Symptoms of Failing Drum Brake Hardware
- CRITICAL: Check Your Brake Size Before Ordering!
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
- Brand Tiers for Your Montego
- Pro Tip: One Side at a Time
- Cost of Drum Brake Hardware Kits for a 1968-1976 Mercury Montego
- Frequently Asked Questions
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