Steps for Changing Rear Brake Drums and Shoes Efficiently and Safely

Aug . 21, 2024 08:12 Back to list

Steps for Changing Rear Brake Drums and Shoes Efficiently and Safely

How to Replace Rear Brake Drums and Shoes

Replacing rear brake drums and shoes is an essential maintenance task for any vehicle owner. Over time, brake components wear down due to friction and heat generated during braking. Neglecting to replace worn brake parts can lead to decreased braking performance, increased stopping distances, and even potential safety hazards. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, this step-by-step guide will help you understand how to successfully replace your rear brake drums and shoes.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before beginning the replacement process, gather the following tools and materials

- Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake drum puller (if necessary) - Replacement brake drums and shoes - Brake cleaner - Anti-seize lubricant - Torque wrench - Safety goggles and gloves

Step 1 Preparation

1. Ensure Safety Park your vehicle on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake and wear safety glasses and gloves. 2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Using a lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels while the vehicle is still on the ground. Do not remove them completely yet.

Step 2 Lifting the Vehicle

1. Jack Up the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the rear of your vehicle. Once elevated, place jack stands under both sides of the rear for safety. 2. Remove the Wheels Finish unscrewing the loosened lug nuts and remove the wheels to access the brake components.

Step 3 Remove the Brake Drums

1. Inspect the Drums Before removal, inspect the brake drums. If they show signs of wear, such as scoring or excessive heat marks, they will need to be replaced. 2. Remove the Drums If the drums are stuck due to rust or debris, a brake drum puller may be necessary. If they come off easily, simply pull them off to expose the brake shoes and hardware.

how to replace rear brake drums and shoes

Step 4 Replace the Brake Shoes

1. Disconnect the Springs and Hardware Carefully remove the springs and retaining hardware that hold the brake shoes in place using pliers or a brake spring tool. Take note of their arrangement as you'll need to replicate this during installation. 2. Remove the Old Shoes Once the springs are detached, you can easily remove the old brake shoes from the backing plate. It's advisable to clean the backing plate with brake cleaner at this stage to remove dust and debris.

3. Install New Brake Shoes Begin by positioning the new brake shoes onto the backing plate, ensuring they fit snugly into place. Reattach the springs and hardware, following the original configuration you noted earlier.

Step 5 Reinstall the Brake Drums

1. Check the New Drums Ensure the new brake drums are the correct size and fit for your vehicle. 2. Reinstall the Drums Slide the new or resurfaced brake drums onto the hub. They should fit snugly without excessive force required.

Step 6 Reassemble and Test

1. Reattach the Wheels Place the wheels back onto the wheel hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts before lowering the vehicle. 2. Lower the Vehicle Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle with the jack. 3. Tighten the Lug Nuts Once the vehicle is on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications in a crisscross pattern to ensure even tightness.

Step 7 Test Drive

After replacing the brake drums and shoes, take the vehicle for a test drive at a low speed. Apply the brakes gently a few times to allow the shoes to seat correctly within the drums. If you notice any unusual noises or reduced braking performance, recheck your installation.

Conclusion

Replacing rear brake drums and shoes can be a straightforward process if you follow these steps carefully. Proper maintenance of your vehicle's braking system is crucial for ensuring safe operation on the road. Regular inspections and timely replacements will make your vehicle more reliable and enhance your driving experience.