how to replace rear brake drums

Nov . 15, 2024 23:33 Back to list

how to replace rear brake drums

How to Replace Rear Brake Drums

Replacing rear brake drums is a critical maintenance task that can greatly enhance the safety and performance of your vehicle. If you're experiencing issues like diminished braking power, unusual noises, or your brake warning light illuminating, it might be time to inspect and, if necessary, replace your rear brake drums. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing your rear brake drums safely and efficiently.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start, gather the following tools and materials

- Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake drum puller (if needed) - Screwdriver - Pliers - Brake cleaner - New brake drums - New brake shoes (recommended) - Brake grease - Safety goggles and gloves

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 Safety First Before starting any work on your vehicle, ensure safety. Park your car on a level surface, activate the parking brake, and wear safety goggles and gloves.

Step 2 Loosen the Lug Nuts Using a lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels while the vehicle is still on the ground. Do not remove them completely at this point.

Step 3 Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the rear of the vehicle off the ground and secure it with jack stands for safety. Once the car is securely elevated, you can remove the lug nuts completely and take off the rear wheels.

how to replace rear brake drums

Step 4 Inspect the Brake Drums Before removing the brake drums, inspect them for any visible damage or wear. Look for cracks, scoring, or significant grooves in the surface. If the drums are scored or warped, they definitely need to be replaced.

Step 5 Remove the Brake Drums In many cases, the brake drums can be removed by pulling them straight off. If the drums are stuck, use a brake drum puller to gently pry them off. Be careful to avoid damaging the brake shoes and components.

Step 6 Inspect the Brake Shoes Once the drums are off, take a moment to inspect the brake shoes. If they are worn down (typically less than 1/4 inch of material left), it’s a good idea to replace them at the same time. Check for signs of glazing, uneven wear, or cracks.

Step 7 Install New Brake Shoes If you are replacing the brake shoes, carefully remove the old ones, noting how they were positioned. Install the new brake shoes by reversing the removal process. Be sure to apply brake grease to the contact points to reduce noise and ensure smooth operation.

Step 8 Install New Brake Drums With the new shoes in place, slide the new brake drums over the shoes. Ensure they fit snugly and rotate freely without obstruction. You might need to adjust the brake adjuster to ensure a proper fit.

Step 9 Reassemble the Wheel Reinstall the wheels by placing them back onto the hub and tightening the lug nuts by hand. Once everything is in place, lower the vehicle back to the ground and then completely tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure.

Step 10 Test the Brakes Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the brake shoes against the drums. Make sure everything is working correctly and listen for any unusual noises.

Conclusion Replacing rear brake drums is a straightforward process that can save you money and improve the performance of your braking system. Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your brake components and enhance safety. If at any point you feel uncertain about the process, don't hesitate to consult a professional mechanic. Your safety should always be the priority. Happy driving!