How to Change Rear Brake Shoes

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One of the most important safety features of a car is its ability to stop. Replacing the rear brake shoes on a car will ensure that the brakes are in good working order and ready to function properly in the event of an emergency. You can learn how to change rear brake shoes in a professional manner to save yourself money and to help you understand your car better. Even a novice can learn to change brake shoes, provided they have the right tools.

Steps

1. 1
   Park the car in a shady, dry location close to where you will have access to your tools. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the job.

   
   
2. 2
   Use blocks to chock the car's front wheels so that it does not roll.
3. 3
   Release the emergency brake completely.
4. 4
   Loosen the lug nuts with a wrench. Do this while the car's wheels are still on the ground.
5. 5
   Jack the rear end of the vehicle up with the jack provided with the car or with a hydraulic jack. Place jack stands at the appropriate locations for safety, and lower the car onto the stands.
6. 6
   Remove the tire from the vehicle.
7. 7
   Remove the drum-shaped covering of the brake to see the components underneath.
8. 8
   Inspect the brake components for wear or damage. If the braking material is less than .125-inch (.32-cm) thick, replace the brake shoes.
9. 9
   Use a brake spring tool to remove the return spring. This can be a difficult task as the spring is very strong. Be sure to wear safety goggles because the spring may jump.
10. 10
    Place gloves on your hands, and hold the back of the retainer pin. Insert the brake shoe removal tool on the spring retainer clip. Press down, and twist the tool counterclockwise to remove the pin and retainer.
11. 11
    Remove the rear brake shoes and hardware.
12. 12
    Examine the brake cylinder for leaks before you install the new shoes.
13. 13
    Transfer the hardware to the new brake shoes.
14. 14
    Install the new brake shoes with the old hardware if the hardware is in good working order.
15. 15
    Reconnect the return spring.
16. 16
    Adjust the brakes before you reinstall the wheels. Most brakes are self-adjusting, but an initial adjustment will be needed.
17. 17
    Place the brake drum back on the brake system.
18. 18
    Reattach the wheels. Remove the jacks, and lower the car.
19. 19
    Tighten the lug nuts completely.

    
    

Tips

• Do 1 side of the car at a time. This way, you can check the other side for reference if you become confused.

Warnings

• Do not try to loosen the lug nuts of a tire while it is up in the air. You may knock it off the jack stands.

Things You'll Need

• Lug nut wrench
• Jack (hydraulic or manual)
• Jack stands
• Goggles
• Brake spring tool
• Gloves
• Brake shoe removal tool

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