Step-by-step guide to replacing rear drum brakes on your vehicle

How to Change Rear Drum Brakes A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the rear drum brakes on your vehicle is an essential maintenance task that can save you money and enhance your driving safety. While this job might seem intimidating, with the right tools and a little patience, you can do it yourself. This guide will walk you through the process of changing rear drum brakes step by step.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials at hand - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake drum puller (if needed) - Screwdriver (flat-head) - Pliers - Socket and ratchet set - New brake shoes - Brake cleaner - Brake grease - Shop towels or rags

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Safety First Park your vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from debris and brake dust. 2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels while the vehicle is still on the ground. Do not remove them completely at this stage.

3. Lift the Vehicle Using the jack, lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Ensure that it is stable before proceeding.

Step 2 Remove the Rear Wheels

4. Remove the Lug Nuts With the vehicle securely lifted, remove the lug nuts completely and take off the rear wheels. Set the wheels aside in a safe location.

Step 3 Access the Drum Brakes

5. Inspect the Brake Drum Before removing the brake drum, inspect it for any visible damage or wear. If the drum is damaged, it should be replaced.

6. Remove the Brake Drum In some cases, the brake drum may be stuck due to rust or debris. If you encounter resistance, gently tap around the edge with a hammer. If it’s still stuck, use a brake drum puller to help remove it.

Step 4 Remove Old Brake Shoes

7. Take Photos Before dismantling anything, take pictures of how the brake components are arranged. This will serve as a handy reference when you install the new brakes.

8. Remove the Springs Use pliers to carefully remove the springs connecting the brake shoes. Be cautious, as these springs can be under tension.

9. Disassemble the Brakes Remove the retaining clips and the old brake shoes. Note the position of each component as you remove it. This will help ensure correct reassembly.

Step 5 Install New Brake Shoes

10. Clean the Brake Components Use brake cleaner to clean the interior of the drum and any other components. Be sure to remove any dust and debris.

11. Install New Shoes Begin installing the new brake shoes by following the layout you photographed earlier. Reattach the springs and ensure they are secure.

12. Reconnect Retaining Clips Secure the shoes with the retaining clips, ensuring everything is tightly fitted.

Step 6 Reassemble the Brake Drum

13. Reattach the Brake Drum Once the new brake shoes are in place, carefully slide the brake drum back over the shoes.

14. Replace the Wheels Position the rear wheels back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

Step 7 Lower the Vehicle

15. Lower the Vehicle Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground with the jack.

16. Tighten the Lug Nuts Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

Final Steps

17. Test the Brakes Before you take the vehicle on the road, press the brake pedal several times to seat the new shoes against the drum properly.

18. Dispose of Old Parts Properly dispose of the old brake shoes and any other materials.

Changing rear drum brakes can seem like a vast undertaking, but following these steps can simplify the process. Regular maintenance, like changing your brakes, is crucial for your vehicle's performance and your safety on the road. If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure at any step, consult a professional mechanic to assist you. Happy motoring!