How to Replace Drum Brakes on a Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra was manufactured with rear drum brakes on some models, and these use a hydraulic wheel cylinder to apply friction to a spinning drum. The parts of this system could leak and wear out, requiring replacement. The average backyard mechanic can replace the drum brakes on a Sentra in about an hour.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheel on the side of the car you're going to replace the brake drums on first.

2

Lift that side of the Sentra by placing the floor jack underneath the frame rail directly in front of the rear wheel and pump the lever until the wheel is in the air. Do not place the floor jack head against the Sentra's body or suspension, place it directly against the frame rail. When the car is high enough, place a jack stand under the frame rail.

3

Remove the lug nuts, wheel and tire and place them away from the work area.

4

Remove the drum by turning the keeper screw counterclockwise. The keeper screw is located on the front of the drum, a bit off-center, and holds the unit together when the wheel is removed. Pull the drum directly away from the brake assembly, sliding it out over the shoes. Check the drum and brake assembly for debris or obvious leaking or damage.

5

Remove the brake shoe's long retracting springs by levering them off with a screwdriver or a specialized brake tool. The brake tool is essentially a screwdriver with a notch cut into the tip to hold the spring. The springs can be replaced at this time, or unhooked and removed.

6

Turn the primary spring bolts counterclockwise and slide the shoes out. Replace the shoes with new units by sliding them into the brake assembly and turning the primary spring bolt clockwise on each shoe.

7

Reattach the long springs and check the adjustment bolt at the bottom for play. Check the wheel cylinder for damage or leaking at the rubber gaskets on each side.

8

Resurface or replace the drum with a new unit, then slide the drum over the shoes all the way to the backing plate. Tighten the keeper screw, turning it clockwise.

9

Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts, first by hand, then with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand and lower the Sentra. Repeat the entire procedure on the opposite side.