how do you change rear drum brakes

How to Change Rear Drum Brakes

Changing rear drum brakes is a vital skill for any car owner who wants to save money on maintenance and ensure the safety of their vehicle. It might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools, a little patience, and a step-by-step approach, you can handle this task yourself. In this guide, we'll walk through the entire process of changing rear drum brakes, including the tools you'll need, safety tips, and detailed instructions.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting, gather the following tools and materials

- Wheel chocks - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Drum brake tool kit (spring retainers, adjusting tool, etc.) - New brake drums - New brake shoes - Brake cleaner - Brake grease - Torque wrench - Safety goggles and gloves

Safety First

Before you begin, ensure that you take the necessary safety precautions. Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear safety goggles and gloves. When lifting the vehicle, ensure that you are on a flat surface, and use wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vehicle Start by loosening the lug nuts on the rear wheels while the car is still on the ground. Do not remove them entirely yet. Once the lug nuts are loosened, jack the vehicle up and secure it with jack stands. Make sure the vehicle is stable before you continue.

2. Remove the Wheels Now, remove the lug nuts completely and take off the rear wheels. Set the wheels aside in a safe location.

3. Inspect the Brake Components With the wheels removed, inspect the brake drum and components for any visible wear or damage. If the drum shows signs of deep grooves, scoring, or is significantly rusted, it’s best to replace it.

4. Remove the Brake Drum The brake drum may be stuck due to rust or debris. If it doesn’t slide off easily, use a brake drum puller tool. Once it’s off, take a moment to clean the drum with brake cleaner to remove any dust or debris.

5. Take Pictures Before disassembling the brake assembly, take pictures of the existing setup. This will serve as a reference for reassembly, ensuring you don’t miss any components or get the order wrong.

6. Remove the Old Brake Shoes Next, you will need to remove the old brake shoes. This involves detaching the return springs, hold-down springs, and the adjuster mechanism. Use your drum brake tool kit to help with this process. Carefully remove the old shoes and set them aside.

7. Clean the Brake Assembly With the old shoes removed, take this opportunity to clean the brake assembly. Use brake cleaner and a rag to wipe away any dust or grime. Avoid using compressed air as it can send dust into the air.

8. Install New Brake Shoes Now, it’s time to install the new brake shoes. Begin by positioning them in the correct order as per the photographs you took earlier. Secure the new shoes to the backing plate using the hold-down springs and ensure that the return springs are properly attached.

9. Adjust the Brake Shoes Initially, adjust the shoes away from the drums. After fitting the drum back in, you can adjust them to minimize clearance. The shoes should just clear the drum when you spin it by hand.

10. Reinstall the Brake Drum Carefully slide the drum back into position. If it’s too tight against the new shoes, make further adjustments until you achieve a smooth rotation.

11. Reattach the Wheels Once everything is in place, put the wheel back on. Hand tighten the lug nuts before lowering the vehicle back to the ground. After it’s secure, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

12. Test the Brakes Before hitting the road, pump the brake pedal a few times to set the new shoes against the drum. Check that everything is functioning properly and there are no unusual noises.

Conclusion

Changing rear drum brakes is a manageable task that can save you time and money while giving you a deeper understanding of your vehicle. With patience and attention to detail, you can successfully complete this job, ensuring your car’s braking system is in top shape. Always refer to your vehicle's owner manual for specific instructions related to your model, and if at any point you feel uncertain, it's wise to consult a professional mechanic.