how to change rear drum brakes on 2008 dodge avenger

How to Change Rear Drum Brakes on a 2008 Dodge Avenger

Changing the rear drum brakes on a 2008 Dodge Avenger is a task that can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a novice just learning the ropes, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. Before you start, ensure you have all necessary tools and safety equipment.

Tools and Materials Needed

- New rear drum brakes (brake shoes) - Brake drum puller (if necessary) - Tire iron or lug wrench - Jack and jack stands - Brake cleaner - C-clamp or brake spring tool - Screwdriver set - Ratchet and socket set - Torque wrench - Gloves and safety glasses

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Safety First Before you begin, park your Dodge Avenger on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake and wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself. 2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Use a tire iron or lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Do not remove them yet. 3. Lift the Vehicle Using a jack, lift the rear of your vehicle, then securely place jack stands under the vehicle to ensure it remains stable while you work. 4. Remove the Wheels Once the vehicle is secure, remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the rear wheels.

1. Inspect the Brake Assembly After removing the wheels, inspect the rear brake assembly. If the drum has a retaining screw, use a screwdriver to remove it. 2. Remove the Brake Drums If the drums do not come off easily, you may need to use a brake drum puller. Attach the puller and tighten it until the drum releases. 3. Examine Components With the drum removed, examine the brake shoes, springs, and adjusters. Take pictures or note the arrangement of the components for easy reassembly.

Step 3 Replace the Brake Shoes

1. Remove Old Brake Shoes Disconnect the return springs and any retaining clips holding the brake shoes in place. Carefully slide the shoes off the backing plate. 2. Install New Brake Shoes Take your new brake shoes and install them in the same configuration as noted earlier. Ensure all components fit snugly against the backing plate. 3. Reattach Springs and Clips Use the brake spring tool or a C-clamp to compress the springs and securely attach them to the new shoes.

Step 4 Reassemble and Adjust

1. Reattach the Brake Drums Once the new brake shoes are in place, carefully slide the brake drums back over the shoes. If they’re too tight, make sure the adjuster is backed off enough to allow for easy installation. 2. Reconnect Any Retaining Screws If your drum had a retaining screw, replace it now. 3. Adjust Brake Shoes Before replacing the wheels, ensure the shoes are properly adjusted. Most systems will have an adjuster at the bottom, which should be set so that the shoes just lightly rub against the drum.

Step 5 Reinstall the Wheels and Lower the Vehicle

1. Put the Wheels Back On Place the wheels back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Make sure they are seated correctly. 2. Lower the Vehicle Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground. 3. Tighten the Lug Nuts Once the vehicle is on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

Step 6 Testing Your Work

1. Test the Brakes Before taking your vehicle back on the road, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the shoes are seated properly and the brakes function as expected. 2. Take a Test Drive Once satisfied with the brake feel, take your vehicle for a short drive to ensure everything is working correctly. Monitor for any unusual noises or behaviors.

Conclusion

Changing the rear drum brakes on your 2008 Dodge Avenger is a rewarding DIY project that can enhance your car's performance and safety. Following this guide will help you carry out the task efficiently and effectively. Always consult your vehicle's manual for specific details and torque specifications. Happy wrenching!