Steps to Change Brake Shoes on Your Vehicle's Drum Brake System

How to Replace Brake Shoes on Drum Brakes

Replacing brake shoes on drum brakes is a vital maintenance task that ensures the safety and reliability of your vehicle. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a DIY novice, this guide provides a clear and concise step-by-step approach for replacing brake shoes effectively.

Tools and Materials Required

Before starting, you will need the following tools and materials 1. New brake shoes 2. Brake cleaner 3. A jack and jack stands 4. A lug nut wrench 5. A brake spring tool 6. Flathead screwdriver 7. Torque wrench 8. Safety glasses and gloves

Step 1 Preparing the Vehicle

Begin by securing your vehicle on a flat, level surface. Use the lug nut wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels (or front wheels if you are replacing front drum brakes). Do not remove the nuts completely yet.

Next, use the jack to lift the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands to ensure safety while you work. Now you can remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

Step 2 Removing the Drum

With the wheel removed, you will see the brake drum. Before removing it, check for any retaining screws or clips that may hold the drum in place. If there are any, remove them. Then, gently tap around the drum using a hammer, or use a brake drum puller if the drum is stuck. Once loosened, pull the drum straight off the hub.

Step 3 Inspecting Brake Components

Once the drum is off, take a moment to inspect the brake assembly for any signs of wear or damage. Look for the brake shoes, springs, and the wheel cylinder. If any components look worn out or damaged, consider replacing them along with the brake shoes.

Step 4 Removing Old Brake Shoes

To remove the old brake shoes, you will need to detach the springs and hardware. Use the brake spring tool to carefully unhook the return springs that hold the brake shoes in place. As you remove each component, take note of how they are assembled, or take pictures to help with reassembly later.

With the springs removed, you can now pull the old brake shoes away from the backing plate. Be careful to avoid damaging the wheel cylinder or other components during this process.

Step 5 Installing New Brake Shoes

Before installing the new brake shoes, clean the backing plate and any other components with brake cleaner to remove dust and debris. Now, it’s time to install the new shoes. Position them in the same manner as the old shoes, making sure the adjustment screw is accessible.

Reattach the return springs and any other hardware using the brake spring tool. Ensure all hardware is tightly secured and that the shoes move freely.

Step 6 Replacing the Drum and Wheel

Once the new shoes are installed, slide the brake drum back onto the hub. If the drum is too tight, adjust the star wheel adjuster to provide a bit more clearance. Reattach any retaining screws or clips if necessary.

Finally, place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle back to the ground, then use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Conclusion

Replacing brake shoes on drum brakes is an achievable task for most car owners with the right tools and patience. Regular maintenance will not only keep your vehicle safe but also enhance its overall performance. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines. If at any point you feel uncertain, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic. Happy driving!