Replacing the rear brake shoes on your vehicle is a crucial task that ensures optimal braking performance. Neglecting brake maintenance can lead to diminished stopping power and potentially hazardous situations on the road. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to safely and effectively replace the rear brake shoes on your vehicle, empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle this essential maintenance task.
Before embarking on this project, it is imperative to gather the necessary tools. Essential equipment includes a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, a lug wrench, a brake spring tool, and new brake shoes. Once you have assembled the tools, you can begin the replacement process. First, engage the parking brake and position wheel chocks behind the front wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels but do not remove them completely. Using a jack, carefully lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
With the vehicle securely elevated, remove the lug nuts and detach the rear wheels. Next, locate the brake drum and remove the dust cap. Inside the brake drum, you will find the brake shoes. Utilize the brake spring tool to carefully detach the brake springs and remove the old brake shoes. Thoroughly clean the brake drum and surrounding components before installing the new brake shoes. Align the new brake shoes with the drum and secure them using the brake springs. Reassemble the brake drum, wheels, and lug nuts, ensuring they are properly tightened. Finally, lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
Safety Precautions
When it comes to working on a vehicle, safety should always be the top priority. Replacing rear brake shoes is a relatively simple task, but it still requires some degree of precaution. Before beginning any work on your vehicle, take the following safety measures:
1. Park your vehicle in a safe and level area. Ensure that it is parked on a solid surface and that the parking brake is engaged. If possible, park your vehicle on a slight incline to prevent it from rolling.
2. Allow your vehicle to cool. If you have recently driven your vehicle, allow it to cool down before starting any work. The brakes and exhaust system will be hot and can cause burns if you touch them.
3. Wear appropriate clothing and safety gear. Wear gloves, safety glasses, and closed-toe shoes. Gloves will protect your hands from dirt and grease, while safety glasses will protect your eyes from debris. Closed-toe shoes will protect your feet from falling objects.
4. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This will prevent any electrical accidents from occurring while you are working on the brakes.
5. Gather the necessary tools and materials. Before beginning work, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials, including:
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Brake cleaner
- New brake shoes
- Brake caliper grease
Gathering Materials
Before embarking on the rear brake shoe replacement procedure, it’s imperative to gather the necessary materials to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential items you’ll need:
Tools and Equipment
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Wheel chocks
- Brake cleaner
- C-clamp
- Hammer
- Ratchet and socket set
- Allen key set
- Safety glasses
Parts and Supplies
- New rear brake shoes
- Brake shoe return springs
- Brake adjusting star wheel
- Brake caliper pins
- Brake caliper hardware kit
- Brake fluid
Additional Considerations
In addition to the tools and supplies listed above, consider the following:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Brake lubricant | To reduce friction and prevent brake noise |
| Anti-seize compound | To prevent corrosion and make future repairs easier |
| Shop towels or rags | For cleaning and wiping |
Replacing the Brake Shoes
1. Removing the Wheel
Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench, then lift the vehicle using a floor jack. Remove the wheel and place it on a chock.
2. Removing the Caliper Bracket
Locate the caliper bracket bolts and remove them. Carefully slide the caliper bracket off the rotor.
3. Removing the Caliper
Hold the caliper and gently pull it away from the rotor without disconnecting the brake line.
4. Removing the Old Brake Shoes
Use a flathead screwdriver or pry bar to pry the old brake shoes away from the backing plate.
5. Cleaning the Backing Plate
Thoroughly clean the backing plate to remove any dirt or debris.
6. Installing the New Brake Shoes
Slide the new brake shoes onto the backing plate. Make sure that the shoes fit snugly and are aligned correctly.
7. Adjusting the Brake Shoes
Adjust the brake shoes to ensure that they have the correct clearance from the drums. Begin by fitting a feeler gauge between the brake shoe lining and the drum. Adjust the star adjuster on the backing plate until the feeler gauge can slide smoothly but with slight resistance between the shoe and drum. Repeat for all shoes on both sides.
| Wheel Cylinder | Adjuster |
|---|---|
| Yes | Adjuster screw located at the bottom of the backing plate |
| No | Turn the star wheel located in the center of the backing plate |
How to Replace Rear Brake Shoes
Replacing the rear brake shoes is a relatively easy task that can be completed in about an hour. You will need the following tools and materials:
- New brake shoes
- Brake cleaner
- Lug wrench
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Adjustable wrench
- Hammer
Follow these steps to replace the rear brake shoes:
- Park the car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
- Locate the lug nuts on the rear wheels and loosen them using the lug wrench.
- Jack up the car and place jack stands under the rear frame rails.
- Remove the rear wheels.
- Locate the brake drums and remove them by pulling them straight off of the wheel hubs.
- Clean the brake drums and backing plates with brake cleaner.
- Remove the old brake shoes by removing the springs that hold them in place.
- Install the new brake shoes by sliding them into place and securing them with the springs.
- Replace the brake drums and wheels.
- Tighten the lug nuts and lower the car.
- Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the new brake shoes.
- Squealing or grinding noises when braking
- A decrease in braking performance
- Excessive brake pedal travel
- Vibration in the brake pedal
