Steps for Replacing Drum Brake Pads on Your Vehicle

How to Change Drum Brake Pads on a Car

Changing drum brake pads on a car is a crucial maintenance task that ensures safe and efficient braking. Over time, brake pads wear down due to friction and heat, which can lead to decreased braking performance and even damage to other brake components. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to change drum brake pads effectively.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials

1. Safety gear Gloves and safety goggles. 2. Jack and jack stands To lift and secure the vehicle. 3. Lug wrench For removing wheel nuts. 4. Brake drum puller To help remove the brake drum if it’s stuck. 5. Screwdriver set To remove retaining clips and springs. 6. New drum brake pads Ensure they are the correct size for your vehicle. 7. Brake cleaner For cleaning components. 8. Grease or anti-seize compound To lubricate necessary parts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Vehicle Start by parking your car on a level surface and setting the parking brake. Make sure the engine is off and the keys are removed from the ignition. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels slightly, but do not remove them completely just yet.

2. Lift the Car Using the jack, lift the rear of the car high enough to install jack stands under the vehicle's frame. Once secured, remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheels.

3. Remove the Brake Drum Inspect the brake drum for any retaining screws or clips. If present, remove them with a screwdriver. Gently pull on the drum to see if it comes free. If it’s stuck due to rust or debris, use a brake drum puller to carefully remove it.

4. Inspect the Brake Components With the drum removed, take a moment to look at the brake shoes, springs, and other components. Check for wear, damage, or debris. If the brake shoes are excessively worn, you’ll need to replace them along with the pads.

5. Remove the Old Brake Pads Locate the retaining clips that hold the brake shoes. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove these clips carefully. After removing the clips, you can take off the old brake pads.

6. Clean the Components Use brake cleaner to clean the inside of the brake drum and any other components such as the backing plate. This step is essential to remove dust and debris, which can affect brake performance.

7. Install the New Brake Pads Take your new drum brake pads and compare them to the old ones to ensure they match. Place the new pads into position and secure them with the retaining clips. Make sure they are seated correctly and cannot move around.

8. Reassemble the Brake Drum Once the new pads are in place, carefully put the brake drum back on. Make sure it fits correctly and rotates freely. Reinstall any retaining screws or clips that were removed earlier.

9. Reattach the Wheel Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Once seated, use a lug wrench to tighten them in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.

10. Lower the Vehicle Remove the jack stands and lower the car back to the ground.

11. Final Checks After lowering the vehicle, tightly secure the lug nuts again. Pump the brake pedal a few times to set the new pads in place. Finally, test drive the car at low speeds to ensure that the brakes are working effectively before returning to regular driving.

Conclusion

Changing your drum brake pads is a manageable task with the right tools and instructions. Regular maintenance of your braking system not only enhances safety but also prolongs the life of other brake components. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual for specific procedures and specifications. If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about any steps, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic. Safety should always be your top priority.