How to Install Rear Brake Drum on a Fox Body Mustang

The 1978-1992 Ford Mustang, or Fox body style, was manufactured with rear drum brakes that require routine maintenance. Installing a new drum to the rear brakes will give the mechanic an opportunity to check for other issues, and should take about a half hour to complete.

Instructions

Removal

1

Raise the Mustang onto the jack stands using the floor jack. The stands should be placed onto the frame rails securely, not on the suspension components.

2

Remove the wheels by turning the lug nuts counterclockwise, then pulling the wheels free. Set the wheels aside, away from the car.

3

Remove the drum by turning the keeper bolt in a counterclockwise direction. The keeper bolt is a hex-head bolt on the front of the drum (and a little off-center) that holds the drum in place. Once the bolt is out, pull the drum away from the brake assembly.

4

Check the brake components for damage or leaking by visually inspecting the wheel cylinders and shoes.

5

Replace the drum with a new unit by pressing it onto the brake assembly, sliding it over the shoes. Line up the keeper bolt hole with the hole on the brake assembly.

6

Turn the keeper bolt into the hole clockwise, until it is snug.

7

Repeat steps 3 through 6 on the opposite side brake.

8

Replace both wheels by turning their lug nuts clockwise, in an alternating pattern.

9

Lower the car from the jack stands with the floor jack.