Drum Breaks
4th Gear Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,646
From: Knoxville, Tn
Depends on if you have the brake tools and if you need to replace leaking brake cylinders and if your drums still meet specs. You will need to mic them to see if they are within tolerance and replace if necessary. Replacing the shoes is not big of a deal but if you have nver replaced them, you will want to take a couple pics in case you can't remember how they were removed. You will also want to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes in case a spring pops off during removal and install. Might want to pick up a repair manual with the step by step instructions. The tools to help in removal can be purchased for $10 or so at the local auto store. You will need a can or two of brake cleaner to clean off the brake dust.
4th Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,614
From: under the hood
Hmmm
I interpret the question differently. He did not ask how hard is it to replace the rear shoes, he asked how hard is it to replace drum brakes (I spelled it correctly). I would take that to be that he wants to replace them probably with disc brakes.
Now, if meant simply replacing the shoes, then to the OP, if you are the kind that can roll up your sleeves and jump into wrenching on your own car and ahve done it before with success (and I don't mean doing an oil change)then you'll have no problems. If you are the nervous type and hesitant, then either pay someone or get someone who has done it before to help you. As for special tools, you'll need wrenches, some good needle nose pliers (to release springs and clips) a hammer to whack the drum if it's rusted on and rags and brake cleaner.
I interpret the question differently. He did not ask how hard is it to replace the rear shoes, he asked how hard is it to replace drum brakes (I spelled it correctly). I would take that to be that he wants to replace them probably with disc brakes.
Now, if meant simply replacing the shoes, then to the OP, if you are the kind that can roll up your sleeves and jump into wrenching on your own car and ahve done it before with success (and I don't mean doing an oil change)then you'll have no problems. If you are the nervous type and hesitant, then either pay someone or get someone who has done it before to help you. As for special tools, you'll need wrenches, some good needle nose pliers (to release springs and clips) a hammer to whack the drum if it's rusted on and rags and brake cleaner.
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October 2009 ROTM
October 2009 ROTM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,560
From: Eastern PA,
ROTM Winner's Club
Do one side at a time. That why you have something to look at. You just have to remember they a mirror of each others. You tube is your friend.
When I was at the dealership out of all the jobs that got messed up by DIYer drum brakes is at the top of the list. I have seen it all, Shoes install backwards, Self adjusters backwards, springs across self adjusters so they can not work, parts missing and bent to "Make them work" .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOvSH-mLhRE
When I was at the dealership out of all the jobs that got messed up by DIYer drum brakes is at the top of the list. I have seen it all, Shoes install backwards, Self adjusters backwards, springs across self adjusters so they can not work, parts missing and bent to "Make them work" .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOvSH-mLhRE
Thx for your help guys I've installed all 4 rotors in the back i didn't have a drum or a shoe on its just a rotor what fooled me was the hand break assembly. Thank you again for your help.
