Guide to Replacing Drum Brakes on Your Car Step by Step

How to Change Drum Brakes on a Car

Changing drum brakes on your car may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can successfully complete the job yourself. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that you can tackle it confidently.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather all necessary tools and materials - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake cleaner - Drum brake kit (includes shoes and any springs/components) - Screwdriver - Pliers - Torque wrench - Bungee cord or rope (optional) - Safety goggles and gloves

Step 1 Prepare the Vehicle

1. Park the Car on a Level Surface Make sure the car is on a flat area to prevent any movement while you’re working. 2. Engage the Parking Brake This ensures that the vehicle stays put while you’re changing the brakes. 3. Loosen the Lug Nuts Use a lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’ll be working on, but do not remove them yet.

Step 2 Lift the Car

1. Jack Up the Vehicle Position the jack under the vehicle’s jacking point (check your owner’s manual for the exact location) and lift the car until the tire is off the ground. 2. Secure with Jack Stands Place jack stands under the vehicle for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Step 3 Remove the Wheel

1. Remove the Lug Nuts Now that the car is elevated, finish removing the loosened lug nuts and take off the wheel. 2. Inspect the Drum Look for any visible damage or wear on the drum. If it looks critically worn, you may need to replace it.

1. Remove the Drum Pull the drum off the wheel hub. If it’s stuck, gently tap it with a hammer or use a puller. 2. Inspect the Brake Assembly Check the condition of the brake shoes and springs for any wear or damage.

Step 5 Replace the Brake Shoes

1. Remove Old Brake Shoes Use pliers and screwdrivers to disconnect the springs and remove the old brake shoes from the backing plate. 2. Clean the Components Spray the brake cleaner on the backing plate to remove dust and debris. Make sure the area is clean before installing the new shoes. 3. Install New Brake Shoes Follow the reverse order of how you removed the old shoes. Attach the new shoes using the springs and ensure everything is in its proper place.

Step 6 Reassemble the Drum

1. Reinstall the Drum Fit the drum back over the newly installed brake shoes. You may need to adjust the shoes to ensure the drum fits correctly. 2. Reinstall the Wheel Place the wheel back on the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

Step 7 Lower the Vehicle

1. Remove the Jack Stands Carefully lift the vehicle off the jack stands and remove them. 2. Lower the Vehicle Slowly lower the car back to the ground using the jack.

Step 8 Final Steps

1. Tighten the Lug Nuts Once the car is flat on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications (check your vehicle’s manual for details). 2. Test the Brakes Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the new brake shoes against the drum properly.

Conclusion

Changing drum brakes on your car can save you time and money if done correctly. This guide provides a basic overview, but always refer to specific vehicle service manuals for detailed instructions. If you feel uncertain at any step, it’s wise to consult a professional mechanic. With practice, you'll gain the confidence to handle various brake-related tasks on your vehicle. Happy braking!