How to Install Brake Shoes on a 2007 Ford Focus
The Ford Focus has different types of brakes on front and rear; the front brakes are disc brakes and the rear brakes are drum brakes. A "shoe" sits inside the rear brake drum. When the brake is used, the hydraulic pressure pushes the shoe against the inside of the drum and slows down the vehicle. As the material is less than 1/8 of an inch thick these become worn and need replacing.
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Things You'll Need
- Brake shoes
- Car jack
- Wheel brace
- Brake shoe removal tool
- Brake spring removal tool
- Torque wrench
Instructions
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1
Jack up the car using the jacking points as described in the user handbook. Always place the car in first gear or in park if automatic when jacking up. Place the emergency brake on.
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2
Remove the wheel nuts using the wheel brace and wrench and remove the tire.
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3
Locate the spindle that holds the drum in place. Remove the four bolts that hold the spindle on.
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4
Remove the drum. This may require a bit of force depending on the age and condition of the car. If the drum is resistant hit it with a hammer all the way around the perimeter to make sure that the drum is loosened all around and any debris falls clear.
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5
Take the brake spring tool and remove the return spring on each of the shoes.
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6
Place the brake shoe removal tool over the retainer clip on the shoe. Hold the back of the retainer pin. Press the "in" button on the tool and turn clockwise. This will release the spring and retainer and the shoe will come off easily.
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7
Install the new shoes in place and reverse the process turning the tool anticlockwise to tighten the retainer and hold the shoe in place.
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8
Using the spring tool, replace the springs. The shoe is now secured back inside the drum.
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9
Fit the drum back onto the wheel and replace the spindle.
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10
Replace the tires, tighten and lower the jack. Make sure the wheel nuts are tight.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Care should be taken when working underneath any car---make sure the car in completely stable before you begin.
Before driving away, pump the brakes a few times to make sure that the mechanism is working properly.
References
- Photo Credit Car Brake image by Joelyn Pullano from Fotolia.com
