Replacing rear brake shoes is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and a little know-how. However, it is important to note that this task should only be attempted by those who are comfortable working on their own vehicles. If you are not comfortable working on your own vehicle, it is best to leave this task to a qualified mechanic.
Before you begin, you will need to gather the following tools and materials:
– New brake shoes
– Brake shoes springs
– Brake drum puller
– Brake cleaner
– Gloves
– Safety glasses
– Jack stands
– Lug wrench
– Wheel chocks
Safety Precautions
To ensure your safety, it is imperative to follow these critical precautions before commencing work on your vehicle’s rear brake shoes:
1. Park Safely
Park the vehicle on a level, stable surface and engage the parking brake. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling while you are working underneath it. Additionally, place wheel chocks behind the front wheels to further secure the vehicle.
Before raising the vehicle, ensure it is stable and will not slip off the jack stands. Inspect the jack stands for any signs of damage or wear, and never work under a vehicle supported by a single jack or jack stand. Always use multiple jack stands for added safety.
Additionally, it is crucial to wear appropriate safety gear while working on your vehicle. This includes safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy shoes to protect yourself from potential hazards such as sparks, sharp edges, and hazardous liquids.
| Safety Gear | Purpose | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Glasses | Protect eyes from flying debris or sparks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gloves | Protect hands from sharp edges or hazardous chemicals | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sturdy Shoes | Prevent foot injuries from falling objects or sharp edges |
| Tool | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|
| Lug wrench | Loosening and removing lug nuts | |
| Floor jack | Elevating the vehicle for access | |
| Jack stands | Providing secure support for the vehicle | |
| Brake caliper spreader | Compressing brake caliper pistons | |
| T27 Torx bit | Removing caliper mounting bolts | |
| 13mm wrench | Removing caliper bracket bolts | |
| Phillips head screwdriver | Removing parking brake cable bracket |
| Safety Tips: |
|---|
| – Always wear safety glasses and gloves throughout the procedure. |
| – Strictly follow the recommended jack points for your specific vehicle. |
| – Use jack stands rated for your vehicle’s weight and set them in a sturdy manner. |
Removing the Wheel and Tire
1). Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheel that needs to be replaced. Do not remove them completely.
2). Raise the rear of the car using a jack and place jack stands under the designated jack points for added safety.
3). Remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire.
4). Removing the Brake Drum
a) Inspect the brake drum for any signs of damage or wear.
b) Locate the two brake drum retaining screws on the back of the brake backing plate.
c) Use a 7/16-inch wrench or socket to loosen the brake drum retaining screws.
d) Once the screws are loose, gently tap the brake drum with a rubber mallet or hammer to break it free from the axle.
e) Pull the brake drum straight towards you to remove it from the axle.
Removing the Brake Drum
Once the wheel is off, you can begin to remove the brake drum. The brake drum is held on by a few lug nuts or bolts. Use a socket wrench or lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts or bolts and then remove them by hand.
Once the lug nuts or bolts are removed, the brake drum should come off easily. If it doesn’t, you may need to use a hammer to tap it gently around the edges until it loosens.
Be careful not to damage the brake drum when removing it. If you damage the brake drum, it will need to be replaced, which can be an expensive and time-consuming process.
Here are some additional tips for removing the brake drum:
Use caution when removing the brake drum.
The brake drum is heavy, so be careful not to drop it on your foot or leg.
If the brake drum is stuck, use a hammer to tap it gently around the edges until it loosens.
Do not use too much force, as you could damage the brake drum.
Once the brake drum is loose, remove it by hand.
Be careful not to touch the brake shoes, as they may contain asbestos.
Inspecting the Brake Components
Before replacing the rear brake shoes, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect the brake components to assess their condition and identify any potential issues.
- **Inspect the brake shoes:** Check the brake shoes for signs of uneven wear, glazing, or contamination. Replace any worn or damaged shoes promptly.
- **Examine the brake drums:** Look for any signs of wear, scoring, or heat damage on the brake drums. Warped or damaged drums should be replaced.
- **Check the brake hardware:** Ensure that the brake springs, pins, and retainers are in good condition and functioning properly. Replace any rusted, weak, or damaged hardware.
- **Inspect the brake lines and hoses:** Inspect the brake lines and hoses for any signs of damage, leaks, or corrosion. Replace any damaged lines or hoses immediately.
- **Examine the wheel cylinders:** Look for any signs of leaks or corrosion on the wheel cylinders. Leaking cylinders should be replaced to prevent brake failure.
- **Check the parking brake mechanism:** Ensure that the parking brake cable, lever, and linkage are all functioning properly. Adjust or replace any worn or damaged components.
| Component | Inspection Points | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Brake Shoes | Uneven wear, glazing, contamination | Replace worn or damaged shoes |
| Brake Drums | Wear, scoring, heat damage | Replace warped or damaged drums |
| Brake Hardware | Rust, weakness, damage | Replace rusted or damaged hardware |
| Brake Lines and Hoses | Damage, leaks, corrosion | Replace damaged lines or hoses |
| Wheel Cylinders | Leaks, corrosion | Replace leaking cylinders |
| Parking Brake Mechanism | Wear, damage, improper adjustment | Adjust or replace worn or damaged components |
Replacing the Rear Brake Shoes
Replacing the rear brake shoes is a relatively simple task that can be completed in an hour or two with the right tools and a little bit of know-how.
Tools You’ll Need
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Hammer
- Punch
- Brake cleaner
- New brake shoes
Removing the Old Brake Shoes
- Raise the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
- Remove the rear wheels.
- Remove the brake drum by removing the bolts that hold it in place.
- Disconnect the brake line from the wheel cylinder.
- Remove the brake shoes by pressing the springs that hold them in place.
Installing the New Brake Shoes
- Clean the brake drum and wheel cylinder with brake cleaner.
- Install the new brake shoes by pressing them into place until they snap into the springs.
- Reconnect the brake line to the wheel cylinder.
- Install the brake drum by aligning it with the wheel studs.
- Tighten the bolts that hold the brake drum in place.
- Install the rear wheels.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground.
Inspecting the Master Cylinder
Once the new brake shoes are installed, it is important to inspect the master cylinder to ensure that it is functioning properly. The master cylinder is responsible for providing hydraulic pressure to the brake lines, which in turn actuates the brake shoes.
To inspect the master cylinder, check the fluid level in the reservoir. The fluid level should be between the “min” and “max” marks on the reservoir. If the fluid level is low, it may indicate a leak in the brake system. You should also check the brake fluid for any signs of contamination, such as dirt or water. If the brake fluid is contaminated, it should be flushed and replaced.
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Low brake fluid level | Leak in the brake system |
| Contaminated brake fluid | Dirt or water in the brake system |
| Spongy brake pedal | Air in the brake lines |
| Hard brake pedal | Faulty master cylinder or booster |
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to have the brake system inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Adjusting the Brake Shoes
Once the new brake shoes have been installed, they need to be adjusted to ensure proper contact with the brake drum. Follow these steps:
- Pump the brake pedal several times. This will help to seat the brake shoes against the brake drum.
- Locate the brake adjuster. It is usually located at the bottom of the backing plate, near the center of the wheel.
- Turn the adjuster screw. Use a flat-head screwdriver or an Allen wrench, depending on the type of adjuster. Turn the screw in small increments (about 1/8 turn at a time) until you hear the brake shoes make contact with the brake drum.
- Check the brake pedal. Pump the brake pedal several times and make sure that it feels firm and provides good stopping power.
- Retighten the adjuster. Once you are satisfied with the brake pedal, retighten the adjuster screw to prevent it from loosening over time.
- Repeat steps 3-5 for the other brake shoe. Make sure that both brake shoes are adjusted evenly.
- Road test the vehicle. Drive the vehicle at a low speed and apply the brakes several times to make sure that they are working properly.
- Check the brake adjustment again. After driving for a short distance, re-check the brake adjustment to make sure that the brake shoes are still making good contact with the brake drum.
Reassembling the Brake Components
9. Reinstalling the Backing Plate
Carefully align the backing plate with the wheel cylinder. Ensure that the brake shoes are properly seated in the backing plate. Secure the backing plate with the bolts or clips that were removed earlier. Tighten the bolts or clips to the specified torque (refer to your vehicle’s service manual for specific torque values).
Bolt/Clip Size Tightening Torque 10mm 25-35 ft-lbs 12mm 35-45 ft-lbs Inspect the brake shoes and adjusters to ensure they are properly positioned and free of any obstruction. Reinstall the drum brake hardware kit (including star wheel, springs, and retainers) by following the reverse order of how they were removed. Ensure each component is securely installed and properly functioning.
Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and top it off if necessary. Bleed the brakes to remove any air that may have entered the system.
Testing the Brakes
Before replacing the rear brake shoes, it’s important to test the brakes to determine the extent of the problem. Here’s how to do a basic brake test:
- Start the engine and let it idle.
- Apply the parking brake.
- Press and release the brake pedal several times.
- With your foot still on the brake pedal, release the parking brake.
- Slowly release the brake pedal.
- If the car rolls forward, the rear brakes are not working properly.
- If the car doesn’t roll forward, the rear brakes are working properly.
Additional Notes:
- If the car rolls forward slowly, the rear brakes may be partially functional but need attention.
- If the brake pedal feels spongy or pulsates, there may be a fluid leak or other brake system issue.
- If you’re not comfortable performing this test yourself, take the car to a mechanic for a more comprehensive brake inspection.
How to Replace Rear Brake Shoes
Replacing the rear brake shoes on your vehicle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels, but do not remove them completely.
- Jack up the rear of the vehicle and place jack stands under the designated jack points.
- Remove the lug nuts and wheels.
- Locate the brake drum and remove the dust cap from the center of the drum.
- Use a large screwdriver or brake spoon to pry off the brake drum. It may be necessary to tap the drum with a hammer to loosen it.
- Once the brake drum is removed, you will see the brake shoes. Use a pair of pliers to remove the springs that hold the shoes in place.
- Carefully remove the old brake shoes and replace them with the new shoes.
- Reinstall the springs and brake drum.
- Repeat steps 5-9 for the other rear wheel.
- Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts.
- Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the new brake shoes.
- Test the brakes before driving the vehicle.
People Also Ask About How to Replace Rear Brake Shoes
How much does it cost to replace rear brake shoes?
The cost to replace rear brake shoes varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for parts and labor.
How often should rear brake shoes be replaced?
Rear brake shoes should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. However, it is important to have your brakes inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good condition.
What are the signs that rear brake shoes need to be replaced?
There are several signs that rear brake shoes need to be replaced, including:
- A grinding noise when braking
- A pulsation in the brake pedal
- Reduced braking power
- A low brake fluid level
