how to change rear drum brake pads

How to Change Rear Drum Brake Pads

Changing rear drum brake pads is an essential maintenance task that can be done at home with the right tools and know-how. While drum brakes are less common than disc brakes on modern vehicles, they are still found on many cars and trucks, especially in the rear. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you change your rear drum brake pads.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start, gather the following tools and materials

- Car jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Drum brake tool kit (if necessary) - New brake shoes (pads) - Brake cleaner - Torque wrench - Rags or paper towels - Safety goggles and gloves

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Park on a Level Surface Ensure your car is parked on a flat surface to avoid any accidents. Engage the parking brake.

2. Loosen Lug Nuts Using a lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Do not fully remove them yet.

3. Jack Up the Vehicle Use a car jack to lift the rear of the vehicle off the ground. Once secure, place jack stands under the car to support it.

4. Remove the Wheel Finish removing the loosened lug nuts and take off the rear wheels to access the drum brakes.

Step 2 Remove the Brake Drum

1. Inspect the Brake Drum Look for any retaining screws or clips holding the brake drum in place. If there are any, remove them.

2. Take Off the Drum Gently pull the drum off the hub. If it seems stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap it lightly to break any corrosion seal.

Step 3 Inspect the Brake Components

1. Check the Brake Shoes Once the drum is off, inspect the brake shoes for wear. If they are worn down to a thin layer or uneven, it’s time to replace them.

2. Examine Springs and Hardware Check the condition of the springs and other hardware. Replace any components that show signs of wear or damage.

1. Release the Tension If the brake assembly uses springs to hold the shoes in place, carefully release the tension on these springs using your drum brake tool kit.

2. Remove Shoes Take off the old brake shoes from the backing plate. You may need to unhook the spring assemblies.

Step 5 Install New Brake Shoes

1. Position the New Shoes Take your new brake shoes and position them onto the backing plate. Make sure they fit snugly.

2. Attach Springs Reattach all springs, retaining clips, and any other hardware. Use the drum brake tool to ensure everything is properly secured and tightened.

Step 6 Reassemble the Brake Drum

1. Reinstall the Brake Drum Slide the brake drum back onto the hub. It should fit snugly but allow for easy rotation.

2. Reattach Any Retaining Screws If you had screws or clips, make sure they are securely fastened.

Step 7 Reinstall the Wheel

1. Put the Wheel Back On Place the wheel back onto the hub.

2. Tighten Lug Nuts Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even tightening. Once the car is back on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer's specifications.

Step 8 Test Your Brakes

1. Lower the Vehicle Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground using the car jack.

2. Press the Brake Pedal Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the new brake shoes against the drum properly.

3. Take a Test Drive Go for a short drive to test the brakes. Listen for any unusual noises and ensure the braking performance is smooth and effective.

Conclusion

Changing rear drum brake pads can seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s a straightforward process. Regular maintenance of your braking system is vital for your safety on the road. If you feel uncomfortable performing this task, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional mechanic. Remember, your brakes are one of the most crucial safety features of your vehicle, so ensuring they are in top condition should always be a priority.