How To Repair / Rear Brake Shoes-1 / Rear Brake Shoes-2

Replacing Rear Brake Shoes

(Always wear protective safety goggles and gloves before work begins.)

About half of all car manufacturers still use drum style rear brakes. Drum brakes are not as efficient as disc brake systems but, drum brakes are easily produced and can be used on the rear of a vehicle since only about 30% of the braking is performed by the rear brakes. Rear brake shoes are more difficult to service when worn and may require special tools to service. Rear brake shoes performance is more effected by water and rain; the braking ability is greatly compromised. Full braking ability will not return until fully dry. (READ COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING!)

Step 1 of 6. Identify rear brake shoes and wheel cylinder 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 of 6. Removing the brake shoes and wheel cylinder.

Use the brake spring tool to remove the return spring to each of the brake shoes.

Step 3 of 6. Removing brake shoe mounting springs.

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.

Rear Brake Shoes and Drums

Purchase Rear Brake Shoes The rear brake shoe is actuated by wheel cylinders that force the brake shoe against the brake drum with hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder.

Purchase Wheel Cylinder Brake fluid pressure from the brake master cylinder is applied to the brake wheel cylinder forcing the brake shoe against the brake drum.

Purchase Brake Drum The brake drum is used to slow the wheel speed through braking action. The brake shoes are applied to the drum to cause friction.

Common Problems:

1. Brake shoes wear out and grind to metal due to lack of maintenance.

2. Low brake peddle due to improper adjustment.

3. Looses partial braking ability when wet.

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