how to change brake shoes on drum brakes

Changing brake shoes on drum brakes is an essential skill for any DIY mechanic. Proper maintenance of your vehicle's brake system ensures safety on the road and prolongs the life of your braking components. This guide will walk you through the steps of changing brake shoes with ease.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start, gather the necessary tools and materials a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a brake shoe replacement kit, a brake cleaner, a rubber mallet, and a basic set of hand tools (for instance, wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers).

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Safety First Ensure that the vehicle is parked on a flat surface. Turn on your hazard lights, engage the parking brake, and wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheel where you will replace the brake shoes. Do this while the vehicle is still on the ground to prevent the wheel from spinning.

3. Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Make sure it’s stable before continuing.

4. Remove the Wheel Once the vehicle is safely elevated, remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel to expose the drum brake assembly.

5. Remove the Brake Drum Depending on your vehicle, you may need to remove the retaining screws or clips. Carefully pull off the brake drum. If it's stuck, a gentle tap with a rubber mallet may help.

6. Inspect Components Before removing the old brake shoes, inspect the drum for wear and other components like springs and adjusters. Replace any damaged parts as necessary.

7. Remove Old Brake Shoes Remove the spring clips and any retaining springs that are holding the shoes in place. Take note of how the components are arranged, as you’ll need to replicate this when installing the new shoes.

8. Install New Brake Shoes Position the new brake shoes into the assembly, ensuring they are aligned correctly. Reinstall the springs and clips, securing everything in place.

9. Reassemble the Brake Drum Once the shoes are installed, reattach the brake drum. Ensure it spins freely without excessive friction.

10. Reattach the Wheel Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle back to the ground and then fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.

11. Test and Adjust After replacing the shoes, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the shoes seat properly against the drum. Take the vehicle for a short test drive to check for any unusual noises and confirm proper braking performance.

By following these steps diligently, you can successfully change brake shoes on drum brakes. This not only saves money on labor costs but also helps you understand your vehicle better. Regular maintenance like this is key to keeping your car safe and efficient.