Safety First:
* Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
* Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from grease and grime.
* Jack Stands: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use jack stands rated for the weight of your vehicle.
* Wheel Chocks: Place wheel chocks on the wheels that remain on the ground.
* Parking Brake: Engage the parking brake firmly.
Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands
* Lug wrench
* Wheel chocks
* Socket wrench set (metric)
* Brake drum removal tool (sometimes called a "slide hammer" or "brake drum puller")
* Hammer (possibly)
* Pry bar (possibly)
* Wire brush
* Brake cleaner
* New brake drums
* New brake shoes (highly recommended, even if they seem okay)
* New hardware (springs, clips, etc.) – Don't reuse old hardware.
* Torque wrench
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)
Steps:
1. Safety First: Follow the safety precautions listed above.
2. Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts with the lug wrench before lifting the vehicle. Jack up the vehicle and securely place it on jack stands. Remove the wheel.
3. Remove the Brake Drum: This is often the hardest part. The drum may be seized to the backing plate due to rust and corrosion. Apply penetrating oil around the edge of the drum and let it soak for a while. Try tapping lightly around the drum's edge with a hammer. Use a brake drum puller tool to carefully pull the drum off. If it's extremely stubborn, you might need to use a pry bar, but be very careful not to damage the backing plate or brake components.
4. Inspect and Replace Brake Shoes: Once the drum is off, inspect the brake shoes for wear and tear. They should have sufficient friction material remaining and not be excessively worn or damaged. It's highly recommended to replace the brake shoes at the same time as the drums. Take note of the spring positions and how everything is assembled before removing any components.
5. Remove Old Brake Shoes: Carefully remove the old brake shoes, paying close attention to the springs and clips. Take photos or draw a diagram to help you remember how everything goes back together.
6. Install New Brake Shoes: Install the new brake shoes, ensuring that the springs and clips are correctly positioned. Refer to your repair manual for the correct installation procedure.
7. Install New Brake Drum: Carefully slide the new brake drum onto the axle. It should fit smoothly. If it's tight, it may indicate a problem with the wheel cylinder or other components.
8. Reassemble: Put the wheel back on, tighten the lug nuts, and lower the vehicle.
9. Torque Lug Nuts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque. This is crucial for wheel safety.
10. Test Brakes: After installing the new drums and shoes, pump the brake pedal several times to build pressure and test the brakes. Test drive the vehicle carefully, paying attention to the braking performance.
Important Notes:
* This is a simplified overview. Consult a repair manual specific to your 2004 Chevy Venture for detailed instructions and torque specifications.
* If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improper brake repair can be dangerous.
* If you encounter any problems during the repair process (like a seized wheel cylinder), it's best to seek professional assistance.
Remember, safety is paramount. If you have any doubts about your ability to perform this repair safely and correctly, consult a professional mechanic. Improper brake maintenance can lead to serious accidents.
