Steps to Replace Rear Drum Brakes on Your Vehicle Effectively and Safely

How to Change Rear Drum Brakes

Changing rear drum brakes is a crucial maintenance task that can help ensure your vehicle's braking system operates effectively. If you notice any signs of brake wear, such as squeaking noises or decreased braking performance, it might be time to replace your drum brakes. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to safely change rear drum brakes.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials

- Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake drum puller (if necessary) - New brake shoes - Brake cleaner - Brake grease - Socket set - Spring tool (optional) - Safety glasses and gloves

Step 1 Prepare the Vehicle

1. Ensure Safety Park your vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Wear safety glasses and gloves. 2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Before lifting the vehicle, use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Do not remove them entirely yet.

3. Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the rear of the vehicle. Secure it with jack stands to prevent any accidents.

4. Remove the Wheels Now, fully remove the lug nuts and the rear wheels. Set the wheels aside in a safe location.

Step 2 Remove the Brake Drum

1. Inspect the Drums Before removing the drums, inspect them for any additional wear. If the drums are scored or damaged, they will need to be replaced.

2. Remove the Brake Drum If the drum doesn’t come off easily, you might need a brake drum puller. Attach the puller to the drum according to its instructions and gently pull it away from the hub.

Step 3 Take Out the Old Brake Shoes

1. Remove the Old Shoes Once the drum is off, you’ll see the brake shoes. Take note of how they are positioned, as you’ll want to replicate this when installing the new ones. Disconnect the springs and retainers holding the shoes in place using a spring tool or your hands if they’re loose.

2. Clean the Area Use brake cleaner to clean the backing plate and the inside of the drum. This helps remove dust and grime, ensuring optimal performance.

Step 4 Install New Brake Shoes

1. Install New Shoes Begin by positioning the new brake shoes onto the backing plate, mirroring the configuration of the old shoes.

2. Reattach Springs Secure the shoes with the retained springs. Ensure that all components are tight and properly seated according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

3. Lubricate Contact Points Apply a small amount of brake grease to the points where the shoes make contact with the backing plate to reduce friction and noise.

Step 5 Reassemble

1. Reinstall the Brake Drum Once the shoes are mounted, slide the brake drum back onto the wheel hub. Check to ensure it rotates freely.

2. Reattach the Wheel Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Once they are snug, use the lug wrench to fully tighten the nuts in a crisscross pattern.

Step 6 Lower the Vehicle and Test

1. Remove Jack Stands Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack. Once it is on the ground, remove the jack stands.

2. Tighten Lug Nuts With the vehicle back on the ground, do a final tighten of the lug nuts to ensure they are secure.

3. Test the Brakes Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the shoes against the drum. Check for any unusual sounds or behaviors when you do a test drive at low speeds.

Conclusion

Replacing rear drum brakes can be a rewarding task, allowing you to save money and gain a better understanding of your vehicle’s mechanics. With the right tools and a little patience, you can improve your vehicle's braking performance and ensure it's safe for the road. If at any point you feel unsure, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic for assistance. Always prioritize safety while working on your vehicle.