How To Repair a Car's Drum Brakes

Drum brakes differ from rotor braking systems in that they use of brake shoes and brake fluids. The drum braking system, which consists of the brake pedal, the brake discs and the master cylinder, slow or stop the vehicle by the use of the brake fluid. When the brakes are applied, pressurized brake fluid flows through the brake lines, causing the discs and drum to press up against the brake pads and shoes.

Instructions

1

Jack up the front or rear end of the car and safely place it on the jack stands.

2

Remove lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise with the lug wrench, then remove wheel.

3

Remove drum brake from the wheel studs. If drum is stuck, wedge a flat board against the drum and gently tap with a hammer to ensure no damage to the brakes.

4

With a strong hand, use pliers to remove the spring-loaded shoe retaining clips. Auto part stores may carry a special tool that can be used to remove the clips easier.

5

Using pliers, remove the shoe springs that attach each shoe together.

6

Push back the retainer spring with pliers and remove the cable.

7

Remove brake shoes by lifting off the brake pedal. Be sure that the cylinder pistons do not extend too far as you remove the shoes and that no one touches the brake pedal while the brake drums are off.

8

Replace old brake shoes with new ones.

9

Push back the retainer spring with pliers and replace the cable.

10

Replace the shoe springs using pliers.

11

Replace spring-loaded retaining clips into the proper locations.

12

Replace the new drum brake onto wheel studs.

13

Replace the wheel onto studs and tighten the lug nuts by turning them clockwise with the lug wrench.

14

Secure the jack under the vehicle and remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle using the jack.