Steps for Replacing Drum Brake Shoes Easily and Effectively

How to Change Brake Shoes on Drum Brakes

Changing brake shoes on drum brakes is an essential part of vehicle maintenance that can greatly influence your safety and vehicle performance. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right tools and a little guidance, you can complete this task yourself. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to change brake shoes on drum brakes, ensuring you understand the process clearly.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting, gather the following tools and materials - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake shoe kit (shoes, springs, clips) - Brake cleaner - Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips) - Pliers - Torque wrench - Gloves - Safety glasses

Step 1 Prepare the Vehicle

1. Safety First Park your vehicle on a flat, stable surface. Engage the parking brake to prevent any movement. 2. Loosen Lug Nuts Using a lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where you will change the brake shoes. Do not remove them completely yet. 3. Elevate the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the car, then place jack stands under the vehicle for safety. 4. Remove the Wheel Take off the loosened lug nuts and remove the wheel to access the drum brakes.

Step 2 Remove the Brake Drum

1. Inspect the Drum Look for any screws or clips holding the drum in place. If your drum is held by screws, remove them. 2. Pull Off the Drum Gently pull the drum off the hub. If it’s stuck, tap it lightly with a hammer to loosen it. Be cautious not to damage the drum.

1. Examine the Setup Take a moment to observe how the old brake shoes are installed, including the springs and hardware. This will help you during reinstallation. 2. Remove Springs and Clips Use pliers to remove any retaining springs and clips holding the brake shoes in place. Be careful as these springs are under tension. 3. Take Off the Shoes Once all hardware is removed, take off the old brake shoes from the backing plate.

Step 4 Install New Brake Shoes

1. Prepare New Shoes Compare the old brake shoes with the new ones to ensure they match. 2. Attach New Shoes Begin by attaching the new brake shoes to the backing plate. Make sure they sit in the same position as the old shoes. 3. Reinstall Springs and Clips Using pliers, carefully reattach the springs and metal clips. Ensure they are secure but avoid excessive force that might damage them.

Step 5 Reassemble the Brake Drum

1. Check for Smoothness Spin the new brake shoes slightly to ensure they are aligned and should move freely. 2. Reattach the Drum Gently slide the drum back over the brake shoes. If it doesn’t fit easily, adjust the shoes slightly. 3. Secure the Drum If applicable, reinstall any retaining screws or clips to hold the drum in place.

Step 6 Reinstall the Wheel

1. Put the Wheel Back Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. 2. Lower the Vehicle Carefully lower the vehicle down off the jack stands. 3. Tighten Lug Nuts Once the vehicle is stable on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Step 7 Test the Brakes

1. Check Brake Functionality Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the new shoes are seated correctly. 2. Take a Test Drive Drive slowly in a safe area to test the brakes. Listen for any unusual noises and be aware of how the vehicle stops.

Conclusion

Changing the brake shoes on drum brakes is a rewarding task that can save you both time and money. By following these steps carefully, you can ensure your vehicle’s braking system is functioning effectively and safely. Always remember, if you feel uncertain at any point during this process, do not hesitate to consult a professional mechanic. Safety should be your top priority on the road!