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How Do I Repair My Car?
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Rear Brake Shoes and Drums?
How to Replace Rear Brake Shoes and Drums
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 affected 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
Step 4 - Removing Wheel Cylinder
After the rear brake shoe and hardware pieces have been removed, install line
wrench onto brake line at the wheel cylinder and loosen the mounting fitting,
then remove it. Note: brake fluid will leak from line when loosened. Remove
wheel cylinder mounting bolts and replace wheel cylinder with new unit.
Re-attach and tighten brake lines and retighten wheel cylinder mounting bolts. Then
clean and service the brake shoe backing plate.
Step 5 - Reassemble With New Brake Parts
Reassemble with new brake parts and make sure all the brake hardware is mounted
correctly. Note: when changing rear brake shoes, only disassemble one side at a
time so you always have a reference copy on the side that is still together.
Step 6 - Adjusting Brake Shoes
After brake shoes have been installed they need to be adjusted. Normally they
are self adjusting but the first time after installation, a primary adjustment
must be made. After installing the brake drum and spinning it on the bearing
hub, adjust the brake shoes to lightly contact the brake drum and recheck
regularly. After the brake shoes are adjusted,
bleed the brake system until free
from air and leaks. Test brake system before driving. CAUTION: DO NOT DRIVE OR MOVE VEHICLE
UNTIL NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION IS PRESENT!
WARNING! Always have the vehicle under inspection
on level ground, in park with the emergency brake on. Always wear protective eyewear,
gloves and necessary clothing before inspection or work begins. Never crank an engine
over when anyone is near the battery or engine. Always have an operational fire
extinguisher close by, obey all first aid instructions in the event of an injury.
Never stand in front or behind a vehicle when cranked over or running. When engine
is cranked over keep hands and clothing away from rotating components. Never move
a car without proper brake pedal operation.
Common Problems:
- Brake shoes wear out and grind to metal due to lack of maintenance.
- Low brake pedal due to improper adjustment.
- Looses partial braking ability when wet.
How Do I Repair My Car?
/ Change
Rear Brake Shoes and Drums?
Rear Brake Shoes and Drums
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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