How to Install Drum Brakes

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Installing drum brakes refers to changing the brakes found at the rear of many cars. This is a simple procedure which you can accomplish in your own garage. Here are some steps to guide you as you learn how to install drum brakes.

Steps

1. 1
   Jack the car up to access the rear wheels and chock the front wheels.

   
   
2. 2
   Remove the wheel and the grease dust cap to access the drum.
3. 3
   Remove the bolts which hold the drum to the brake assembly.
   • Set these bolts aside.
4. 4
   Remove the drum.
5. 5
   Inspect the brake components for wear.
6. 6
   Use a brake spring tool to remove both of the brake springs, beginning with the outermost spring.
7. 7
   Lift up on the auto-adjuster cable and disconnect it from the upper retainer.
8. 8
   Remove both of the brake retainers.
9. 9
   Grasp the rear of the retainer pin and insert a brake removal tool over the retainer clip. Press down and turn counter-clockwise.
10. 10
    Slide the auto adjuster arm forward and pull it outward. Remove the arm and the spring together.
11. 11
    Pull the shoes out and away from the drive axle assembly.
    • Let the shoes collapse together and remove the lower spring and adjuster.
12. 12
    Use a flathead screw driver to twist the lock ring away from the remaining shoe, and remove it.
13. 13
    Clean the exposed area with brake wash.
14. 14
    Lubricate all six points of installation for the shoes to prevent the brakes from squeaking.
15. 15
    Insert the park brake arm pin into the new brake shoe and install the lock ring.
16. 16
    Pull apart the brake adjuster and lower spring assembly and slide it over the drive axle.
17. 17
    Hold the shoes in place using spring loaded retainers.
18. 18
    Replace the brake shoe springs.
19. 19
    Install the adjuster arm and spring as well as the cable.
20. 20
    Verify that all of the brake hardware is mounted properly.
21. 21
    Install the brake drum.
22. 22
    Spin the drum on the bearing hub, adjusting the brake shoes until they come into light contact with the drum.
23. 23
    Check for proper contact repeatedly.
24. 24
    Bleed the brake system until it is free from air and leaks.

    
    

Tips

• Using a mechanical lubricant to loosen the nuts which mount the drums will ease their removal.
• It is a good idea to clean the components of the brake assembly with an air compressor while they are disassembled.
• Any brake material that has a thickness of 1/8 inch (0.32cm) or less will need to be replaced.
• Always prop the vehicle up on jack stands to ensure its stability.
• When replacing both rear sets of brakes, do one at a time and use the first for reference.
• When removing the brake drum, lay out some newspaper, as some of the brake fluid will leak.
• Before you begin, try rocking the car back and forth. This will loosen the bond that sometimes forms between the drums and the shoes.
• If the brake drum doesn't slide right off, try retracting the shoes by turning the brake adjuster.
• Brake drums are somewhat fragile. Use care when removing one that's especially stubborn.

Warnings

• After completing this procedure, never attempt to drive the vehicle until you've verified that the brake pedal is fully operational.

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