Before we begin, it is essential to mention that if you are not comfortable working on your car’s brakes, it is best to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. Working on your car’s brakes requires knowledge, experience, and the right tools. If you are confident in your skills, let’s dive in and learn how to replace drum brakes.
Step 1: Preparation
Before starting any work on your brakes, make sure that you have all the tools and equipment you need. You will need a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, brake cleaner, brake fluid, new brake shoes, and spring hardware kit.
Start by loosening the lug nuts of the wheel on which you will be working. Place a jack stand under the car’s frame to ensure that it is level and does not move during the repair process. Once your vehicle is secured, remove the wheel and set it aside to gain access to the brake drum.
Step 2: Removing the brake drum
Use a hammer to gently tap the drum, which will allow you to remove it from the wheel hub. If the drum does not come off quickly, it might be due to rust or other buildup. In this case, you will have to use a brake drum puller to loosen it.
Once the drum is removed, inspect the brake shoes for wear or damage. If they are in good condition, then you may skip to step 4. If you need to replace them, proceed to step 3.
Step 3: Removing the brake shoes
The brake shoes are typically held in place by springs and pins. Use a pair of pliers to remove the retaining pins and springs. Once the hardware is removed, you can slide the brake shoe off the bracket. Repeat this process for both brake shoes.
Step 4: Installation of new brake shoes
Clean the brake drum thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove any dust or debris that might have accumulated. Then, apply brake lubricant (never use ordinary grease) to the backing plate where the new brake shoes will be installed.
Next, install the new brake shoes by sliding them onto the bracket. The pins and springs must be reinstalled to hold them in place. If you are unsure which spring attaches to which pin, consult the instructions that came with the hardware kit.
After the new brake shoes are installed, the drum should easily slide back into place. Once the drum is in place, tighten the lug nuts of the wheel to secure it.
Step 5: Bleed the brake system
After the new brake shoes are installed, you need to bleed the brake system to remove any air that may have accumulated in the lines. Start at the wheel furthest from the brake master cylinder and work your way towards it by loosening the bleeder valve and allowing the brake fluid to flow.
Once you have completed the bleed, top up the brake fluid level in the master cylinder to ensure the brakes are fully functional.
In conclusion, replacing drum brakes can be a complex process, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done at home. However, if you are not confident in your skills, take your car to a professional mechanic. Remember, your brakes are a crucial part of your car’s safety, and it is imperative to ensure they are in excellent working condition.