Logo Automobile Information Add Site to Favorites  
Auto Repair
Auto Repair Home
Auto Repair Ask a Car Repair Question
Auto Repair Car Question Forum
Auto Repair Questions by Manufacturer
Auto Repair Questions by Topic
Auto Repair First Things to Check
Auto Repair How to Repair or Service
Auto Repair Car Repair Manuals
Auto Repair How Does it Work
Auto Repair Car Repair Video Series
Auto Repair Auto Maintenance
Auto Repair Car Sound Problems
Auto Repair Auto Term Abbreviations
   
   
 
Popular Site Links

  

Auto Repair Automobile Safety Inspection
Auto Repair Brake Replacement Guides
Auto Repair Service Engine Soon Light
Auto Repair Belt Routing Diagrams
Auto Repair Avoid Car Repair Rip Offs
Auto Repair Trouble Code Table
Auto Repair How to use Diagnostic Tools
Auto Repair Smog Test Preparation
Auto Repair Hybrid Car Information
Auto Repair Test Equipment Store
Auto Repair Auto Parts
 
Search Website
 
 
Recent Repair Topics

 

Auto Repair1998 Volkswagen Jetta F...
Auto Repair2001 Kia Sephia Car Won...
Auto Repair1989 Gmc C1500 Pcv
Auto Repair2002 Lincoln Town Car R...
Auto Repair2004 Buick Park Avenue ...
Auto Repair1980 Chevy Camaro Th350...
Auto Repair1991 Toyota Camry No Fi...
Auto Repair More Repair Topics...
 


     
       


Professional Automotive Experts Answering Your Questions



How Do I Repair My Car? / Change 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.

Rear Brake Shoes

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.

Rear Brakes

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

Step 3 - Removing brake shoe mounting springs.

Rear Shoes

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

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

New Brake Shoes

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

Adjust 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



 

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.


 

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.

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.

Additional "How to" Car Repair or Services

ASK CAR REPAIR QUESTIONS - Join our question and answer forum where over 6,000 free auto repair questions are answered every month, after you have completed our free signup you will able to ask a question and receive an answer from one of our many forum members. If you elect to donate any small amount of money we will assign one of our 2CarPros Certified Repair Technicians to answer your question. Questions with donations are answered promptly and 100% of the donation is awarded to the technician helping you.

GET ONLINE CAR REPAIR MANUALS - Get instant access to your vehicles wiring diagrams, firing orders, component locator, vacuum diagrams, repair procedures, specific testing and diagnostics for troubleshooting, steering and suspension information, heating and air-conditioning problems, safety belt and airbag restraint repair, factory bulletins and general information and much more. We recommend that anyone needing technical repair information should have a quality auto repair manual for their car.

 

   





     
Popular Service Repairs
Test Fuses
Replace Front Brake Pads
Check Engine Light
Rear Brake Shoes
Rear Brake Pads
Test Alternator
Replace Air Filter
Test Battery
Tune Up
More Service Repairs...
Advertisement
Car Questions
Acura
Alfa Romeo
American Motors
Audi
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevy
Chrysler
Citron
Daewoo
Daihatsu
Dodge
Eagle
Ferrari
Fiat
Ford
Geo
GMC
Honda
Holden
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
International
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Mazda
Mercedes Benz
MG
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Oldsmobile
Opel
Peugeot
Plymouth
Pontiac
Porsche
Renault
Rolls Royce
Rover
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Seat
Skoda
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Vauxhall
Volkswagen
Volvo

Home l Help l Privacy Policy l User Agreement l About Us l Computer Repair Question l Contact Us l Link to Us l We're Hiring l Affiliate Program
  Copyright © 1999 - 2009 2CarPros.com - Professional Mechanics Online