how to change brake drum shoes

How to Change Brake Drum Shoes

Changing brake drum shoes is an essential maintenance task for vehicle owners aiming to ensure optimal braking performance and safety. Over time, brake shoes wear down and can lead to decreased braking efficiency, noise, and even drum damage. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change brake drum shoes effectively.

Tools and Materials Needed Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, brake cleaner, a shoe spacer, a drum puller (if necessary), new brake shoes, and a basic toolkit (including pliers and a screwdriver).

Step 1 Safety First Start by finding a flat surface to park your vehicle. Engage the parking brake and, if necessary, place wheel chocks behind the front wheels. This ensures the car remains stable while working.

Step 2 Remove the Wheel Using a lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Lift the vehicle with a jack and secure it with jack stands for safety. Completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel, exposing the brake drum.

Step 3 Inspect and Remove the Brake Drum Check the condition of the brake drum for any damage or excessive wear. If the drum does not come off easily, you may need to use a drum puller to remove it. With the drum off, take note of the configuration of the old brake shoes and their springs.

Step 4 Remove Old Brake Shoes Carefully detach the old brake shoes. Start by removing the return spring and any retaining clips using pliers. As you remove the shoes, keep an eye on the arrangement of various components to assist with the reinstallation of the new parts.

Step 5 Clean the Brake Assembly Before installing new brake shoes, clean the assembly with brake cleaner to remove any dust and debris. This helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of the new shoes.

Step 6 Install New Brake Shoes Begin installing the new brake shoes by reversing the steps you took to remove the old ones. Attach the new shoes, ensuring springs and clips are securely in place. Make sure the shoes are positioned correctly in relation to the adjuster mechanism.

Step 7 Reinstall the Brake Drum and Wheel Once the new shoes are secured, carefully reinstall the brake drum. Make sure it spins freely without binding. Then, place the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

Step 8 Lower the Vehicle and Test Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Finally, test the brake system by pressing the brake pedal a few times to ensure proper seating of the shoes.

By following these steps, you can confidently change your brake drum shoes, helping maintain your vehicle’s braking system for safer driving. Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your vehicle’s components.