A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Drum Brake Shoes on Your Vehicle

How to Replace Drum Brake Shoes

Replacing drum brake shoes is an important maintenance task that ensures your vehicle's braking system functions effectively. Over time, brake shoes can wear down due to constant friction, leading to decreased braking efficiency and potential safety hazards. This guide will walk you through the process of replacing drum brake shoes with essential steps, tools, and tips.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start, ensure you have the following tools and materials

- New brake shoes - Brake cleaner - Brake grease - C-clamp or brake spring tool - Socket set - Wrenches - Screwdrivers - Jack and jack stands - Safety goggles and gloves

Step-by-Step Process

1. Safety First Begin by parking your vehicle on a level surface and engaging the parking brake. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from dust and debris.

2. Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the rear (or front, depending on your vehicle) of the vehicle off the ground. Secure it with jack stands to ensure it remains stable while you work.

3. Remove the Wheel Using a socket set, remove the lug nuts from the wheel. Once they are removed, take off the wheel to expose the drum brake assembly.

4. Remove the Brake Drum Inspect the brake drum for any retaining screws. If present, remove them. You might need to tap lightly on the drum with a hammer to loosen it if it’s stuck. Carefully pull the drum off, making sure not to damage any components.

5. Inspect Components Before replacing the brake shoes, inspect the brake drum for any signs of wear or damage. Measure the inside diameter of the drum and compare it to the manufacturer's specifications. If it's out of spec, you'll need to replace the drum.

6. Remove Old Brake Shoes With the drum removed, you can now access the brake shoes. Use a brake spring tool or C-clamp to relieve tension on the springs and carefully remove them. Take note of how components are arranged for easier reassembly. Remove the old brake shoes from the backing plate.

7. Install New Brake Shoes Before installing the new shoes, apply brake grease to the contact points on the backing plate to prevent squeaking. Position the new brake shoes in the same configuration as the old ones, ensuring that all fitting points align correctly.

8. Reattach Springs and Adjust Using the brake spring tool, reattach the springs and any retaining clips. Make sure everything is secure and properly positioned. Adjust the shoes as necessary to ensure they sit correctly against the drum.

9. Reinstall Brake Drum Slide the brake drum back onto the wheel hub and secure it with any retaining screws you may have removed. Spin the drum to ensure it moves freely without binding.

10. Put the Wheel Back On Reattach the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle back to the ground and then tighten the lug nuts fully in a crisscross pattern to ensure proper seating.

11. Test the Brakes Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the new shoes against the drum. Test the brakes in a safe area to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Replacing drum brake shoes is a straightforward task that can be accomplished with basic mechanical skills and the right tools. By following these steps and maintaining your braking system, you contribute to your safety on the road. If at any point you feel unsure about the process, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic. Regular inspections and maintenance will ensure your brakes remain responsive and effective for years to come.