Chevy Front Drum Brake Installation

Front drum brakes, equipped on many older model Chevy trucks, are more involved, in terms of brake repair, than front disc brakes because there are more parts, springs and potential adjustments. Drum brake repair can be done yourself with sufficient care and preparation. By removing the brake drums, problems, such as worn shoes, leaking wheel cylinders or scored drums, are easy to spot. If the drum's diameter is in question, many auto parts stores can measure it. System repair typically takes about one afternoon to get the drum brakes back in order.

Instructions

Removing the Drum Brakes

1

Raise the vehicle with jack stands. Loosen the lug nuts halfway, using a lug wrench or tire iron, before raising the vehicle.

2

Remove the front wheels completely to gain access to the brakes. Unscrew the five lug nuts that secure the wheel.

3

Slide off the outer drum casing. It rests on the five wheel mounting bolts. Cut off the pressed metal washers with a cutting tool if necessary.

4

Detach the brake line and clip it with a spring clip to prevent leaking brake fluid. If a reference guide is not available, take a photo of the brake shoe assembly for later reassembly.

5

Remove the shoes, the actuator and the rear casing by unscrewing the Allen bolts.

6

Clean off the entire assembly with brake cleaner. Place a drain pan below the wheel hub to catch any residue.

7

Release the spring from the adjuster lever within the drum. Grip it with pliers then pull the retractor spring from the hole in each drum shoe.

8

Clean the backing plate and lightly coat the shoe contact areas with high-temperature grease. Clean the adjuster screw assembly and lubricate the threads and socket end as well.

Installing the Replacement Brakes

9

Align the brake shoes against the backing plate in the reverse order of removal. Be sure the replacement brake shoes have the same hole pattern as the original brake shoes.

10

Reattach the self-adjustment spring and screw assembly to the brake shoes, using brake spring or other pliers. Screw in the self-adjustment screw assembly.

11

Reconnect the core hardware of the drum brakes, reversing the order that they were removed.

12

Reattach the return springs onto the brake shoe(s).

13

Compare the newly installed brake mechanism to the reference diagram or photo.

14

Replace the brake drum. Be certain that the drum can spin freely against the brake lining.

15

Reattach the wheels then test-drive the car. Don't drive fast; test the brakes gently.