How to Change Rear Drum Brakes

Drum brakes on the rear ends of cars use brake shoes instead of the pads that front disc brakes use. Changing these brakes requires a different process than with disc brakes, and it can be a bit more difficult. If your brakes encounter problems like grinding sounds from the rear or the car shifting to one side when braking, you likely need to change the rear drum brakes, especially if you know the front disc brakes are in good working condition.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jack stands Lug wrench Metal-cutting tool Screwdrivers Brake cleaner Drain pan Pliers High-temperature grease Drum brake shoes

1. Raise the vehicle's rear end on jack stands and remove the wheels. Block the front wheels and release the parking brake. Remove the brake drum by cutting off the pressed metal washers with a cutting tool, marking the relationship between the drum and axle with chalk and slipping the drum off.

2. Unscrew the four retaining bolts for the hub and searing assembly and disconnect the assembly reach the brake shoes easier. Clean the entire rear brake assembly with brake cleaner spray, catching the residue in a drain pan.

3. Disconnect the springs from the drum's back shoe with pliers; disconnect the adjuster level first, followed by the retractor spring on each shoe. Remove the back shoe along with the adjuster level, then remove the adjuster screw assembly and the front shoe. Disconnect the back shoe from the parking brake lever.

4. Clean the backing plate and adjuster screw assembly with the brake cleaner. Lubricate the spots on the plate where the shoes touch along with the adjuster screw assembly's threads and socket end; use high-temperature brake grease to do this.

5. Connect the new back shoe to the parking brake lever, install it on the backing plate and attach the retractor spring to the same hole it used on the old shoe. Reinstall the adjuster screw assembly to the back shoe, followed by the adjuster level.

6. Install the new front shoe on the backing plate, making sure it engages with the adjuster screw assembly. Attach the retractor spring to the back shoe, connect the actuator spring to the front shoe, then stretch the actuator spring so it connects to the adjuster level.

7. Reconnect the brake drum; it needs to slip onto the new shoes without rubbing them. To do this, turn the adjuster screw's star wheel until the drum fits.

8. Repeat for the brake drum on the other wheel. Replace both wheels and lower the vehicle once the brakes on both drums are changed.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Need Cash For An Emergency? Auto Repair, Medical or Home Emergency—CashNetUSA.com is here to help you take control.