Replacing rear brake drums and shoes is a task that requires both precision and patience, especially if you’re striving for a flawless performance on the road. Drawing insights from years of hands-on experience and technical expertise, this guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step approach to executing this mechanical endeavor with confidence and authority.

Safety First Before engaging in any mechanical work, ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the parking brake is engaged. Use wheel chocks to block the front wheels and keep your project area free of any potential hazards. Gather Essential Tools Equip yourself with a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, brake cleaner, a basic wrench set, pliers, and a drum brake tool set. Having the right tools will not only enhance efficiency but will also help prevent any unnecessary complications during the process.

1. Wheel and Drum Removal Begin by loosening the lug nuts of the rear wheels, but do not fully remove them while the vehicle is on the ground. Carefully lift the vehicle with a jack and secure it using jack stands. Fully remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheels. Gently pull the brake drum off—if it’s stuck, a few gentle taps with a rubber mallet can help loosen it. 2. Inspection Once the drum is removed, inspect the brake shoes, springs, and other hardware for wear and damage. Pay close attention to signs of brake fluid leaks which may indicate issues with the wheel cylinder that should be addressed. 3. Removing the Old Brake Shoes Take clear photos of the assembly to refer to during reassembly. Using needle-nose pliers and a brake spring tool, carefully remove the hold-down springs and pins, then the adjuster spring. Detach the brake shoe from the adjuster and remove all components in a methodical manner to avoid losing any small parts.how to replace rear brake drums and shoes
4. Cleaning and Preparation Clean all removed parts and the backing plate using a brake cleaner to remove dust and debris. Apply a small amount of high-temperature brake grease to the points where the shoes rest on the backing plate to ensure smooth operation. 5. Installation of New Brake Shoes Install the new brake shoes by reversing the order of removal. Start by attaching the shoes to the adjuster, then position them on the backing plate and secure them using the hold-down springs and pins. Use the brake spring tool to reattach the return springs. Double-check your photos to ensure everything is positioned correctly. 6. Adjust the Brake Shoes Manually adjust the star wheel on the adjuster to expand the brake shoes outward until they lightly contact the drum. Avoid over-expanding, as this can cause the brakes to drag. 7. Reattach the Brake Drum and Wheel Position the brake drum back onto the hub and ensure it rotates freely without excessive resistance. Reinstall the wheels, hand-tighten the lug nuts, lower the vehicle and then fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even distribution of pressure. 8. Final Checks and Testing Pump the brake pedal several times to ensure the shoes are properly seated. Test drive the vehicle cautiously, listening for any unusual noises and testing the brakes’ responsiveness. Conclusively, replacing rear brake drums and shoes demands meticulousness and diligence. However, by approaching the task with informed expertise, as outlined herein, one can assure both the safety and efficacy of their vehicle’s braking system. Whether for a DIY enthusiast or a professional mechanic, adhering to these practices not only reinforces trustworthiness and credibility but also contributes to extending the lifecycle of your vehicle’s brake components, ensuring they perform at optimal capacity.