Step-by-step Guide to Changing Rear Drum Brakes for Your Vehicle

How to Replace Rear Drum Brakes A Step-by-Step Guide

Replacing rear drum brakes can be a daunting task for many car owners, but with the right tools and a little know-how, it can be accomplished in your own garage. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring that you can tackle this essential maintenance task confidently.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials

- Tools - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips) - Pliers - Brake spring tool - Drum brake adjustment tool - Torque wrench - Clean rags - Safety goggles - Gloves

- Materials - New brake drum - New brake shoes - Brake cleaner - Grease or anti-seize compound

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Safety First Park your vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and wear your safety goggles and gloves. 2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Using the lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels without removing them completely. 3. Raise the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Make sure it is stable before proceeding.

Step 2 Remove the Wheels and Brake Drums

1. Remove the Lug Nuts Once the vehicle is secured, completely remove the lug nuts and take the wheels off. 2. Take Off the Brake Drums If the brake drums do not slide off easily, gently tap around the edges with a rubber mallet to break any corrosion. If the drum is still stubborn, you may need to access the brake adjustment slot on the backing plate and adjust the star wheel to retract the shoes.

Step 3 Inspect the Brake Components

1. Check for Wear Inspect the brake shoes, drums, and hardware. If the shoes are less than 1/4 inch thick or if the drums are scored, they need to be replaced. 2. Clean the Area Use brake cleaner to remove dust and debris from the brake assembly and surrounding areas. This step is crucial to prevent contamination of your new parts.

1. Detach the Springs Using the brake spring tool, carefully remove the return springs and hold-down springs. Take note of how they are installed, as you’ll need to replicate this for the new shoes. 2. Remove the Brake Shoes Once the springs are removed, pull the old brake shoes off the backing plate. Be cautious as some parts may spring back if not handled correctly.

Step 5 Install New Brake Shoes

1. Prepare New Shoes Before installation, apply a light coating of grease to the backing plate where the shoes will contact. 2. Position the New Shoes Place the new brake shoes onto the backing plate in the same configuration as the old ones. Replace the hold-down springs to secure them. 3. Attach the Springs Using the brake spring tool, carefully attach the return springs, ensuring they are positioned correctly as per your notes from the old shoes.

Step 6 Replace the Brake Drums

1. Reinstall the Brake Drums Slide the new or cleaned brake drums back onto the wheel hubs. Ensure they fit snugly without forcing. 2. Adjust the Brake Shoes Check the clearance for the shoes to the drum. Adjust the star wheel through the adjustment slot until there is a slight drag when you rotate the drum.

Step 7 Reassemble the Wheel

1. Put the Wheels Back On Replace the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. 2. Lower the Vehicle Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.

Step 8 Final Checks

1. Tighten the Lug Nuts Once the vehicle is on the ground, use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. 2. Test the Brakes Pump the brake pedal several times before driving to ensure the shoes are properly seated against the drum.

Conclusion

Replacing rear drum brakes may take some time and effort, but with patience and careful attention to detail, you can successfully perform this task. Regular maintenance of your braking system not only enhances your vehicle's performance but also ensures your safety on the road. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions and safety information related to your model. Happy wrenching!