how do you change drum brakes

How to Change Drum Brakes A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing drum brakes can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can do it yourself and save money on labor costs. This guide will walk you through the process of changing drum brakes, ensuring your vehicle is safe and efficient.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting, gather the following tools and materials

1. Jack and jack stands 2. Lug wrench 3. Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips) 4. Brake drum puller (if necessary) 5. Brake cleaning spray 6. New brake shoes 7. Brake hardware kit (if required) 8. C-clamp or brake spring tool 9. Safety glasses and gloves

Step 1 Preparing Your Vehicle

1. Safety First Park your vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and wear safety glasses and gloves. 2. Loosen Lug Nuts Before raising the vehicle, use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where you will be changing the drum brakes. Do not remove them completely yet.

3. Lift the Vehicle Use the jack to lift the vehicle. Once elevated, secure it with jack stands to ensure it remains stable.

4. Remove the Wheel Take off the lug nuts and remove the wheel to expose the drum.

Step 2 Remove the Brake Drum

1. Inspect the Drum Before removal, check the drum for wear. If it's scored or damaged, replacement may be necessary.

2. Remove the Drum If the drum is stuck, lightly tap it with a hammer. If it still doesn’t budge, a brake drum puller may be needed.

1. Examine the Brake Assembly Take note of how the springs and shoes are configured. This will help during reinstallation.

2. Remove Springs Use a screwdriver or brake spring tool to carefully remove the tension springs that hold the brake shoes in place. Keep these springs and hardware if you're reusing them, or replace them with a new hardware kit.

3. Take Out the Shoes Once the springs are out, carefully lift the shoes off the backing plate.

Step 4 Install New Brake Shoes

1. Clean the Drum Assembly Spray brake cleaning solution on the backing plate and other components to remove dust and debris.

2. Install New Shoes Position the new brake shoes on the backing plate, following the same configuration you observed earlier. Be sure to position the shoes correctly with the larger shoe typically going to the rear.

3. Reattach Springs Carefully reconnect the springs to secure the brake shoes in place. Use the C-clamp to compress the springs if needed.

Step 5 Reassemble and Test

1. Replace the Drum Slide the drum back onto the hub. Make sure it spins freely; if not, double-check the shoe installation.

2. Reattach the Wheel Place the wheel back onto the hub, hand-tighten the lug nuts, and then lower the vehicle back to the ground.

3. Final Check Once on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern for even pressure.

4. Test the Brakes Before driving, pump the brakes a few times to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Changing drum brakes is an achievable task for most car owners with basic mechanical skills. By following these steps, you can ensure your vehicle's braking system is in good condition, providing safety and reliability on the road. Always consult your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions regarding your model.