Replace Rear Brake Shoes Drums and Adjust
Replacing Rear Brake Shoes
Most cars have a brake shoe and
drum style of brake system in the rear of the vehicle.
Drum brakes are not quite as efficient
as their counter part the disc brake
system. Drum brakes are easily produced and can be used on the rear of a vehicle
were only about 30% of the braking is created. Sometimes special brake shoe removal
tools are required. Rear brake shoe performance can be affected when wet and the
braking ability can be greatly diminished.
Before you begin park the car on a level surface, block the front tires to prevent
the vehicle from moving. You will be dealing with asbestoses which is a hazardous
material so wear protective gloves, clothing and eyewear.
Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete this Job
1. Floor Jack 2. Jack stands 3. Lug Wrench 4. Brake cleaner 5. Replacement Brake Shoes 6. Brake Shoe Removal Tool
7. Screwdriver set 8. Pliers 9. Shop towels 10. Hammer
Instructions Step 1 - Identify Rear Brake Shoes and Wheel Cylinder Components
Identify Rear Brake Shoe Components Remove brake drum to inspect brake shoes for wear. If the brake material is less than 1/8 inch, they need to be replaced in most cases. Check the wheel cylinder for leaks. Remove the dust boot from the side of the wheel cylinder and check for brake fluid leaks. If brake fluid is present the wheel cylinder needs replacing. Also check brake shoe hardware, return and mounting springs, and replace if damaged or broken. Step 2 - Removing the Brake Shoes and Wheel Cylinder
Release Rear Brake Spring Use the brake spring tool to remove the return spring to each of the brake shoes. Step 3 - Removing Brake Shoe Mounting Springs
Release Rear Brake Shoe Hold Downs Hold the rear of the retainer pin. Insert brake shoe removal tool over retainer clip, press down and twist counter clockwise. Remove spring and retainer. Inspect and replace as needed. Then remove the rear brake shoes and remaining hardware. Match the old brake shoes to the new brake shoes. Both sets should match up exactly. Then transfer hardware to new brake shoes.
Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete this Job
1. Floor Jack 2. Jack stands 3. Lug Wrench 4. Brake cleaner 5. Replacement Brake Shoes 6. Brake Shoe Removal Tool
7. Screwdriver set 8. Pliers 9. Shop towels 10. Hammer
Instructions Step 1 - Identify Rear Brake Shoes and Wheel Cylinder Components
Identify Rear Brake Shoe Components Remove brake drum to inspect brake shoes for wear. If the brake material is less than 1/8 inch, they need to be replaced in most cases. Check the wheel cylinder for leaks. Remove the dust boot from the side of the wheel cylinder and check for brake fluid leaks. If brake fluid is present the wheel cylinder needs replacing. Also check brake shoe hardware, return and mounting springs, and replace if damaged or broken. Step 2 - Removing the Brake Shoes and Wheel Cylinder
Release Rear Brake Spring Use the brake spring tool to remove the return spring to each of the brake shoes. Step 3 - Removing Brake Shoe Mounting Springs
Release Rear Brake Shoe Hold Downs Hold the rear of the retainer pin. Insert brake shoe removal tool over retainer clip, press down and twist counter clockwise. Remove spring and retainer. Inspect and replace as needed. Then remove the rear brake shoes and remaining hardware. Match the old brake shoes to the new brake shoes. Both sets should match up exactly. Then transfer hardware to new brake shoes.