Drum brakes are a cost effective brake system that have been used for years by auto manufacturers. While drum brakes are not as effective as disc brakes, they are cheaper to replace as well as easier to work on. Drum brakes are an essential part of a vehicle's braking system and should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed on vehicles equipped with them.

Things You'll Need

To work on drum brakes, you will need a few tools an supplies. A floor jack is necessary to lift the vehicle onto a good quality set of floor jacks. You will also need a selection of tools that might include a socket set and ratchet, flat-head and Phillips head screwdrivers and needle-nose pliers. Rubber gloves and a respirator to protect yourself from the brake dust are also recommended. Brake cleaner and penetrating lubricant should be kept on hand as well for cleaning and removing parts. You should also have a detailed shop manual for your car available.

Removing the Drum Brakes

Loosen the lug nuts from the wheels and raise the vehicle with the floor jack. Place it securely on jack stands and remove the rear wheels. The drum brake should be visible on the end of the hub. Before proceeding, spray brake cleaner on all of the brake components, including the front and back of the drum and the brake line. You can also spray some penetrating lubricant where the drum mounts up against the hub to help free it. Inspect the drum for retaining screws or a spindle nut holding the drum on. Some models may require the removal of the bearing cap and wheel bearing. Pull the drum brakes off of the hub. You may need to turn the adjusting screw for the brake shoes to free the drum.

Replacing the Drums and Brake Shoes

Take the drums to a machine shop where they can be inspected for wear and machined if necessary. Replace the drum if it is beyond its useful life. Inspect the wheel cylinder for the brake drum to ensure it is not leaking and that the rubber boots on it are in good shape and not torn. If the cylinder is leaking, it needs to be replaced, which requires that it be disconnected from the brake line. To remove the brake shoes, remove the hold-down springs with needle-nose pliers. Consult your workshop manual as this procedure will vary depending on the model. Remove the brake shoe return springs at the top and bottom of the brake assembly with pliers. Clean the brake shoe adjuster mechanism if it is dirty, remove it and set it aside. Thoroughly clean the backing plate and all nearby surfaces with brake cleaner and wipe everything down with a clean rag. Install the new brake shoes and the drum in the opposite order of removal. Installing the springs and the brake shoes and getting everything to line up properly to allow the installation of the drum may be a little difficult. Adjust the shoes so the drum rotates but the shoes drag slightly on the drum. Pump the brake pedal until it feels firm again. Replace the wheels and lower the vehicle. Take it for a slow test drive to ensure everything is working properly.

Source:

Allpar: Drum Brake Replacement