How to Change Drum Brakes on a 2000 Mercury Cougar

The rear brakes on the Mercury Cougar consist of a laminated brake shoe and drum assembly. The drums will wear over time or sometimes crack from heat and use. Replacing the drums with new OEM or aftermarket drums will restore your braking performance and safety. Drums are available at most auto parts stores and through the dealership. While you have the drums off, inspect the rear brakes to be sure none of the other components needs replacing.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the rear of your Cougar with a lug wrench. Do not take them, off the wheel studs yet. Using a jack, raise the rear of the car off the ground then place a set of jack stands under the rear axle.

2

Lower the jack, setting the car securely on the jack stands then remove the lug nuts from the wheel studs. Pull the wheels off the car and set them out of the way.

3

Grasp the rear brake drum with both hands and pull it straight out, removing it from the axle assembly. It may not come right off the first time; work it back and forth until you can free it from the axle, backing plate and the brake shoes. Discard the old drum.

4

Position the new drum squarely on the brake shoes and slide it in, aligning the holes in the drum with the wheel studs. Push the drum in to ensure it seats properly. Position the wheel and tire on the studs and install the lug nuts.

5

Move to the opposite side of the car and repeat the steps. Raise the car off the jack stands, remove the stands from under the car and lower the car to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench.