How To Repair Parking Brake Shoes

When a car is not stopping as fast as it used to or when the parking brake seems to be losing its power, it could be time to replace your brake shoes. The parking brake, or emergency brake, is usually attached to the rear wheels of a car. Activating the parking brake is similar to applying the brakes on conventional drums. Most brake shoes are constructed to continue working well for 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Refer to your owner's manual for any vehicle part clarification. A general knowledge of auto mechanics is recommended for this project.

Instructions

1

Remove the brake fluid from the master cylinder by using a siphon. Use your owner's manual to identify and locate the vehicle parts you will be working with. A turkey baster can be substituted for the siphon.

2

Jack up the car. Place jack stands securely in place. Remove the tires, using a 13mm socket, swivel adapter and extension for the bolts. Pull the drum off the rear brakes. The rear brakes should now be visible. Clean the entire assembly using the brake cleaner spray.

3

Remove the retaining clips by pushing down on them with a screwdriver. Jiggle the rear brake assembly until it comes off the backing plate.

4

Remove the parking brake cable from the brake assembly. Remove the brake pads from the springs and put on the new brake pads per manufacturer instructions.

5

Clean the backing plate with brake cleaner spray. Apply silicone lubrication to the backing plate and any rub points. Wipe excess spray from the brake pad surface.

6

Put the entire assembly back in place. Press the wheel cylinder pistons in toward each other, making the brake assembly fit around it. Install the pins through the backing plate. Fit the retaining clips in by holding the pin from the back of the drum as far up as possible. Push in the retaining clip using needle-nose pliers. Let the pin drop into the clip and release.

7

Check to see that the shoes are centered and even with each other. Separate the cam on the adjuster and move the shoes as close together as possible.

8

Reinstall the tires, retaining bolts and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle. Repeat the previous steps for each brake assembly on the car.