How to Change Rear Brake Shoes

Changing brakes shoes within the brake drums on the rear of a vehicle is not as simple as changing disc brake pads on the front. There are many more components, like springs and cables, that must be disconnected in order to change them. Nonetheless, brake shoes need to be replaced over time, especially if they are cracked, glazed or have less than 1/16 inch of material beyond their outer surface.

Instructions

1

Jack up the rear end of the vehicle, and place the jack stands to safely secure the vehicle. Block the front wheels and set the parking brake.

2

Using the lug wrench, remove both rear wheels.

3

Mark the drum with chalk or washable paint to show its relationship with the axle. Then remove the brake drum from the wheel studs. You may need to cut off the pressed washers on the studs (if there are any). Then release the parking brake and slip the drum off.

4

Disconnect the wheel hub and bearing assembly by removing the retaining bolts for easier access to the brake shoes. Clean the whole assembly with brake cleaner spray, catching the residue in a drain pan.

5

Use pliers to remove the springs from both brake shoes. Disconnect the adjuster screw assembly and remove the leading shoe, then disconnect the trailing shoe from the parking-brake lever.

6

Lubricate the assembly's backing plate where the shoes make contact using a high-temperature grease. Also lubricate the threads and socket end of the adjuster screw assembly.

7

Connect the replacement trailing shoe to the parking brake lever, insert it onto the backing plate and connect the retractor spring to the hole on the shoe. Connect the adjuster screw assembly to the shoe and reinstall the adjuster level.

8

Install the leading shoe onto the backing plate, engaging with the adjuster screw assembly. Reconnect the springs.

9

Check to make sure everything is connected. Then slip the brake drum onto the wheel studs. Turn the star wheel on the adjuster screw to make sure the drum fits over the brake shoes without rubbing them.

10

Repeat the above steps for the other side, then replace the wheels and lower the vehicle. Press the brake pedal to seat the new shoes.