how to replace rear brake drums

Nov . 22, 2024 05:29 Back to list

how to replace rear brake drums

How to Replace Rear Brake Drums A Step-by-Step Guide

Replacing rear brake drums is a vital maintenance task that ensures your vehicle stops efficiently and safely. While the process may seem daunting, with the right tools and a little patience, you can do it yourself. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Tools and Materials Needed - New brake drums - Brake shoes - Brake cleaner - Wrench set - Screwdriver - Jack and jack stands - Torque wrench - Safety glasses and gloves

Step 1 Prepare the Vehicle Before starting, make sure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the ignition is off. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels. This will prevent any accidental rolling.

Step 2 Remove the Wheel Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts of the rear wheels, but do not completely remove them yet. Jack up the rear of the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Finish removing the lug nuts and take off the wheels to expose the brake drums.

Step 3 Remove the Brake Drum Inspect the brake drum for retaining screws, which may need to be removed first. If it’s stuck, gently tap it with a hammer to loosen it. If you encounter resistance, be sure to check for any additional fasteners or retaining clips.

how to replace rear brake drums

Step 4 Inspect and Replace Brake Shoes With the drum removed, inspect the brake shoes for wear. If they are worn down, it’s a good idea to replace them at the same time. Remove the old brake shoes by disconnecting the springs and any retaining clips. Install the new shoes, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement.

Step 5 Install the New Brake Drum Before installing the new drum, clean the surface with brake cleaner to remove any dust or debris. Slide the new drum over the newly installed brake shoes. Confirm that everything is in place and aligned properly.

Step 6 Reattach the Wheel Place the wheel back on, and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle back to the ground and then use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.

Final Step Test the Brakes After the installation, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure proper contact between the shoes and drum. Before hitting the road, take the vehicle for a short test drive to confirm everything is functioning correctly.

In summary, replacing rear brake drums requires attention to detail and care. While the task can be completed in a few hours, always ensure your safety by using the appropriate tools and precautions. Regular maintenance of brake components is key to a safe driving experience.