how to change rear drum brake pads

How to Change Rear Drum Brake Pads

Changing rear drum brake pads is an essential skill for any car owner who wants to save money on repairs and maintain their vehicle’s safety. While disc brakes are more common in modern vehicles, many cars still utilize drum brakes in the rear. This guide will walk you through the steps to change your rear drum brake pads effectively.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Drum brake tool kit (including a spring tool) - Brake cleaner - New drum brake pads - Anti-seize compound - Torque wrench (optional)

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Find a Safe Workspace Choose a flat, level surface to work on your vehicle. Avoid slopes and busy roads to ensure safety. 2. Loosen the Wheel Lug Nuts Before lifting the car, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels using a lug wrench. Do not remove them completely.

3. Lift the Vehicle Use the car jack to lift your vehicle. Once the car is securely elevated, place jack stands underneath for added safety.

4. Remove the Wheel Take off the loosened lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel to expose the drum brake assembly.

Step 2 Remove the Brake Drum

1. Inspect the Brake Drum Before removal, check for any obvious signs of damage or wear on the drum. It should be smooth and free from cracks.

2. Remove the Drum If the drum is stuck, gently tap around the edges with a rubber mallet. You may also need to adjust the brake adjuster (located at the rear of the drum) to provide extra clearance.

Step 3 Inspect the Brake Components

Before proceeding with the installation of new brake pads, it’s critical to inspect the other components

1. Shoes Check the old brake shoes for wear. If they are worn down unevenly, it’s best to replace both the shoes and the drum.

2. Springs and Clips Inspect all springs and retaining clips for corrosion or wear. If they look damaged, it's advisable to replace them simultaneously.

Step 4 Install New Brake Pads

1. Remove Old Pads Use your brake tool kit to unhook the springs and carefully take out the old brake shoes from their positions.

2. Clean and Prepare Use brake cleaner to clean the brake backing plate and surrounding areas, removing any dust or debris. Allow it to dry completely.

3. Apply Anti-Seize Compound Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the contact points of the brake shoes to prevent noise and ensure smooth operation.

4. Install New Pads Place the new brake shoes into the drum assembly, making sure they fit properly. Reattach the springs and clips securely.

Step 5 Reassemble and Test

1. Reattach the Brake Drum Slide the drum back onto the hub. Ensure that it rotates freely without any obstruction.

2. Reinstall the Wheel Place the wheel back on the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

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

4. Tighten the Lug Nuts Once the car is back on the ground, use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Step 6 Final Checks

Before taking your vehicle back on the road, conduct a few checks - Pump the Brake Pedal Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to adjust the new brakes, ensuring they are properly seated against the drum. - Test Drive Conduct a short test drive at low speeds to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Changing rear drum brake pads might seem daunting initially, but it is a manageable task with the right tools and patience. Regular maintenance of your brake system not only enhances your safety on the road but can also extend the lifespan of your vehicle. If at any point you feel unsure, do not hesitate to consult a professional mechanic for assistance.