How to Change Drum Brakes: Easy DIY Guide

To change drum brakes, start by lifting the vehicle and removing the wheel. Then, disconnect the brake line and remove the drum to access the brake components.

When it comes to car maintenance, drum brakes are often overlooked. However, they play an essential role in your vehicle’s braking system, particularly in the rear wheels. Knowing how to change drum brakes is an important skill that can save you money and ensure your car stops safely. While the process might seem intimidating at first, with the right tools, knowledge, and attention to detail, you can replace drum brakes on your own.

In this guide, we’ll explain the anatomy of drum brakes, the tools required for the job, a step-by-step guide on how to change them, and safety precautions to take. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to make sure you’re well-prepared before starting the project.

Credit: www.autozone.com

What Are Drum Brakes and How Do They Work?

Drum brakes are typically found on the rear wheels of many vehicles, especially older models and some newer trucks and economy cars. The system consists of several key components:

• Brake Drum: A cylindrical part that rotates with the wheel.
• Brake Shoes: These are curved pieces that press against the inside of the drum to create friction and slow the car down.
• Wheel Cylinder: The part that pushes the brake shoes out against the drum when the brake pedal is pressed.
• Return Springs: These pull the brake shoes back into position after the brake pedal is released.
• Adjuster Mechanism: This adjusts the brake shoes as they wear down to maintain braking efficiency.

When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure is applied to the wheel cylinder, causing the brake shoes to push outward against the rotating brake drum. This creates friction, which slows the vehicle down. Over time, the brake shoes wear down and need to be replaced.

How to Change Drum Brakes

Before starting the job, you’ll need to gather the following tools and parts:

Essential Tools:

• Car jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Brake spring pliers
• Brake shoe hold-down tool
• Brake adjuster tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Hammer
• Needle-nose pliers
• Brake cleaner spray
• C-clamp or brake caliper tool (for compressing wheel cylinder pistons)
• Safety gloves and glasses
• Torque wrench

Replacement Parts:

• New brake shoes
• Brake hardware kit (including springs and other small parts)
• Replacement brake drums (if necessary)
• Brake fluid (if topping off is needed)

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Drum Brakes

Follow the steps below to change drum brakes –

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Safety is the top priority when working on any vehicle maintenance project. Begin by parking your vehicle on a flat surface and engaging the parking brake. Put wheel chocks behind the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts

Using a lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Don’t remove them completely yet, as you’ll need the wheels in place to prevent them from turning while loosening.

Step 3: Jack Up the Car and Remove the Wheel

Place the car jack under the designated lift point (check your vehicle’s manual if you’re unsure) and lift the car off the ground. Secure the vehicle on jack stands before removing the rear wheels completely.

Step 4: Remove the Brake Drum

Once the wheels are off, you’ll have access to the brake drum. Removing the drum can sometimes be tricky due to rust or wear, so it might require some persuasion. If it doesn’t come off easily:

• Tap the outside of the drum with a hammer to break any rust.
• Use a flathead screwdriver to back off the brake adjuster through the access hole in the drum. This will loosen the brake shoes from the drum.

Once free, pull the drum off to reveal the brake assembly inside.

Step 5: Inspect the Components

Before moving forward, inspect the condition of all brake components. If the brake drum itself is heavily worn or scored, you’ll need to replace it. Check the wheel cylinder for leaks, the return springs for wear, and the adjuster for proper function.

Step 6: Remove the Brake Shoes

Removing the brake shoes involves several steps, and each piece must be removed carefully. Take a picture of the assembly before you start, so you can refer to it when installing the new components.

• Remove the springs: Use brake spring pliers to detach the return springs. These springs hold the brake shoes in place.
• Remove the hold-down pins: Using a brake shoe hold-down tool, remove the small pins that secure the brake shoes.
• Disconnect the adjuster mechanism: Carefully pull the adjuster spring and mechanism away from the brake shoes.
• Remove the brake shoes: Once all the springs and pins are detached, the brake shoes can be removed from the wheel backing plate.

Step 7: Clean the Brake Assembly

With the old brake shoes out of the way, spray the brake assembly and drum with brake cleaner to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Be careful not to inhale any of the dust or touch it directly, as it may contain asbestos, especially on older vehicles.

Step 8: Install the New Brake Shoes

Now that everything is clean, it’s time to install the new brake shoes. Follow these steps:

• Attach the new brake shoes: Position the new shoes in place, aligning them with the wheel cylinder and adjuster.
• Reconnect the hold-down pins: Secure the brake shoes with the hold-down pins using the appropriate tool.
• Reinstall the adjuster mechanism: Attach the brake adjuster and spring to the new shoes.
• Reattach the return springs: Use your brake spring pliers to reattach the return springs and secure the shoes in place.

Step 9: Reinstall the Brake Drum

Once the new brake shoes are securely in place, slide the brake drum back onto the hub. If it doesn’t fit easily, the brake adjuster might need to be backed off further to allow for more clearance.

Step 10: Adjust the Brakes

With the drum reinstalled, manually adjust the brake shoes by turning the adjuster star wheel. The goal is to achieve a slight drag when rotating the drum by hand. Don’t over-tighten the adjuster, as this could lead to premature wear or overheating.

Step 11: Reinstall the Wheel

Put the wheel back onto the hub and tighten the lug nuts by hand. Lower the car off the jack stands using the jack, and then use a torque wrench to properly tighten the lug nuts according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Step 12: Test the Brakes

Before driving, press the brake pedal several times to ensure the brake shoes are properly seated. If your vehicle uses an automatic adjuster, it may take a few applications of the brakes to adjust properly.

Test the brakes at low speed to ensure everything is working smoothly. If the brake pedal feels spongy or soft, you may need to bleed the brakes to remove air from the system.

Safety Precautions

• Always use jack stands: Never work on a vehicle that is supported only by a jack. Jack stands are essential for your safety.
• Wear protective gear: Gloves and safety glasses should be worn throughout the process to protect yourself from sharp edges and brake dust.
• Avoid breathing brake dust: Brake dust can contain harmful materials. Work in a well-ventilated area and use brake cleaner to remove dust safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs about changing drum brakes –

1. How do I know when my drum brakes need to be replaced?

Drum brakes usually need to be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and the type of vehicle. Signs of worn drum brakes include a scraping or grinding noise, reduced braking performance, or a brake pedal that feels soft or spongy.

2. Can I replace drum brakes without special tools?

While it’s possible to replace drum brakes without specialized tools, using the correct tools—like brake spring pliers and a brake shoe hold-down tool—makes the process much easier and safer.

3. How long does it take to change drum brakes?

For a beginner, changing drum brakes can take between 2 to 4 hours. Once you’re familiar with the process, it can take as little as an hour per wheel.

4. Do I need to replace the brake drums when changing the brake shoes?

You don’t always need to replace the brake drums, but if they are worn, scored, or have deep grooves, they should be resurfaced or replaced. Many auto parts stores can resurface brake drums for you.

5. Can I drive with worn drum brakes?

It’s not safe to drive with worn drum brakes, as they can lead to reduced braking performance, longer stopping distances, and potential damage to other components in your braking system.

Conclusion

Changing drum brakes may seem challenging at first, but with the right tools and careful attention to detail, it’s a manageable task for many DIY enthusiasts. Following a step-by-step approach ensures that the brakes are replaced safely and effectively, helping maintain your vehicle’s performance and safety.

Properly functioning drum brakes are essential for reliable stopping power, and by replacing them when worn, you not only save on repair costs but also extend the lifespan of your vehicle’s braking system. If unsure at any stage, consulting a professional mechanic is always a good option.