A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Drum Brakes on Your Vehicle

How to Put on Drum Brakes A Step-by-Step Guide

Drum brakes are a crucial component of many vehicles, providing reliable stopping power. If you're considering tackling a brake replacement job yourself, learning how to put on drum brakes is a valuable skill. This step-by-step guide will help you through the process, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials - A jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake drum puller (if needed) - Screwdriver - Pliers - Brake cleaner - New brake shoes and associated hardware - Torque wrench

Step 1 Preparing the Vehicle

1. Safety First Park the vehicle on a flat, stable surface. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels if you're working on the front brakes. 2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Using a lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts of the wheel you will be working on without removing them completely.

Step 2 Lifting the Vehicle

1. Jack Up the Vehicle Place the jack under a secure point cited in your vehicle's owner's manual. Lift the vehicle until it is high enough to remove the tire.

2. Secure with Jack Stands Once raised, place jack stands under the vehicle for additional safety. Never work under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack.

Step 3 Removing the Wheel

1. Remove Lug Nuts Now, completely remove the lug nuts you loosened earlier and take off the wheel. Set the wheel aside in a safe location.

Step 4 Accessing the Drum Brakes

1. Remove the Brake Drum Depending on your vehicle, the drum may come off easily. However, if it’s stuck, use a brake drum puller to remove it gently. Inspect the drum for scoring or wear; if it's excessively worn, consider replacing it.

Step 5 Taking Off Old Brake Shoes

1. Document the Configuration Before removing any components, take photos or make notes of how the old brake shoes are configured for reference. 2. Remove Springs and Clips Carefully remove the springs and clips using pliers or a screwdriver. Watch out for spring tension, as they can snap back.

3. Take Off the Brake Shoes Once the springs are removed, the shoes should come off easily. If there’s any rust or buildup, clean the backing plate with brake cleaner before installing new shoes.

Step 6 Installing New Brake Shoes

1. Install the New Brake Shoes Align the new brake shoes with the backing plate, as noted in your preliminary documentation. Secure them with the appropriate springs and clips, ensuring they are tightly fastened.

2. Adjust the Brake Shoes Before reinstalling the drum, adjust the shoes to fit snugly against the drum. This can usually be done via an adjuster located on the top of the brake assembly.

Step 7 Reassemble and Test

1. Replace the Brake Drum Slide the drum back over the new shoes. It should fit snugly but not be overly tight. If it doesn’t fit, recheck your adjustments.

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

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

4. Torque the Lug Nuts Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring even pressure while tightening.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve completed these steps, it's crucial to test your brakes. Perform a few gentle stops from low speeds to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions and torque specifications related to your model, as different vehicles may have varying setups. If during the process you encounter issues or feel uncertain, don't hesitate to consult a professional mechanic. Safety is paramount when working on brake systems. Happy brake servicing!