how to replace rear brake drums and shoes

How to Replace Rear Brake Drums and Shoes

Replacing rear brake drums and shoes is a critical maintenance task that ensures your vehicle's braking system functions effectively. Worn brake components can lead to reduced braking performance or even brake failure, making this task essential for safety. Whether you are a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, this guide will walk you through the steps needed to replace your rear brake drums and shoes.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting, gather the necessary tools and materials

- New brake drums - New brake shoes - Brake cleaner - A jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Ratchet and socket set - Drum brake spring tool (optional but recommended) - Screwdrivers - Torque wrench - Gloves and safety glasses

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Safety First Park your vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself during the process.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Using a lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts of the rear wheels slightly, but do not remove them.

3. Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and support it securely with jack stands.

4. Remove the Wheels Once the vehicle is securely lifted, remove the lug nuts completely and take off the rear wheels.

Step 2 Remove the Brake Drums

1. Inspect the Drums Before removal, check if the brake drums have any retaining screws. If they do, remove them with a screwdriver.

2. Remove the Drums Gently pull the brake drum off the hub. If it is stuck due to corrosion, you can tap around the drum lightly with a hammer to break any rusted bond.

3. Inspect Components Once the drum is removed, inspect the brake shoes, springs, and other components for wear.

1. Remove Old Shoes Take note of how the old brake shoes are installed. Remove the springs and retainers with the appropriate tool. You may need a drum brake spring tool for stubborn springs.

2. Install New Shoes Position the new brake shoes in the same configuration as the old ones. Attach the springs and retainers, ensuring they are secure.

Step 4 Install New Brake Drums

1. Clean the Area Before installing the new brake drums, use brake cleaner to clean the backing plate and other components. Remove any dust and debris.

2. Install New Drums Slide the new brake drums onto the wheel hubs carefully. They should fit snugly without forcing.

3. Replace Retaining Screws If your drum has screws, reinstall them. They help keep the drum in place.

Step 5 Reassemble and Test

1. Reattach Wheels Place the wheels back onto the hubs and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

2. Lower the Vehicle Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications using a torque wrench.

3. Pump the Brakes Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times to seat the brake shoes against the drums. This step is crucial, as it ensures proper contact and braking performance.

4. Test Drive Take the vehicle for a short test drive in a safe area to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Check for any unusual noises or issues.

Conclusion

With some basic tools and a bit of patience, replacing rear brake drums and shoes can be a straightforward process. Regular brake maintenance is vital for your vehicle's safety. If you are uncertain about any step of the process or encounter issues, don't hesitate to consult a professional mechanic. By following these steps, you can help keep your vehicle in top shape and ensure safer driving for yourself and others on the road.