Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Sockets and wrenches: Various sizes, likely including metric sizes. Check your repair manual.
* Brake caliper pliers (C-clamp style): To compress the brake cylinders.
* Screw driver (possibly Phillips and flathead): For various fasteners.
* Pliers: For removing cotter pins and other small fasteners.
* Wire brush: To clean the brake drum surface.
* Brake cleaner: To clean parts.
* Grease: For lubrication of pins and springs.
* New rear brake shoes: Make sure you get the correct parts for your vehicle.
* New brake hardware kit: This usually includes springs, clips, and pins. It's crucial to replace these.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for specifics):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the front wheels.
2. Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car. Jack up the car securely and place it on jack stands. Remove the wheel.
3. Remove the Brake Drum: This might require some persuasion. Sometimes it's stuck due to rust. Gently tap around the perimeter with a rubber mallet. If it's severely stuck, you may need to use a drum puller.
4. Inspect the Components: Examine the brake shoes, springs, wheel cylinders, and other components for wear and damage. Pay close attention to the wheel cylinders for leaks.
5. Compress the Wheel Cylinders: Using the brake caliper pliers, carefully compress the wheel cylinders. This will allow you to remove the old brake shoes.
6. Remove the Old Brake Shoes: Carefully remove the old brake shoes, noting the location and orientation of all springs, pins, and other hardware.
7. Clean Everything: Thoroughly clean all components using a wire brush and brake cleaner.
8. Install the New Brake Shoes: Install the new brake shoes, ensuring that they are correctly positioned and seated. Refer to your repair manual for the proper orientation of the shoes and springs.
9. Install the Springs and Hardware: Carefully reinstall all springs, pins, and other hardware, following the pattern of the old parts.
10. Adjust the Brake Shoes: Many older vehicles don't have automatic adjusters, you might need to manually adjust the shoes to ensure proper clearance. Your repair manual will detail how to do this.
11. Reinstall the Brake Drum: Carefully reinstall the brake drum.
12. Reinstall the Wheel: Tighten the lug nuts snugly.
13. Lower the Car: Carefully lower the car to the ground and tighten the lug nuts fully.
14. Test the Brakes: Pump the brake pedal several times to build up pressure. Test the brakes carefully at low speeds before driving normally. If the brake pedal feels spongy or the brakes feel weak, there might be a problem that requires further attention.
Important Considerations:
* Wheel Cylinders: If the wheel cylinders are leaking or damaged, they should be replaced. Leaking wheel cylinders can lead to brake failure.
* Brake Fluid: You might need to bleed the brakes after the repair to remove air from the brake lines. This is a crucial step to ensure proper braking performance.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable performing this repair, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Brake repairs are critical for safety, and improper repairs can be dangerous.
Remember, this is a general guide. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 1987 Ford Tempo LX for detailed instructions and diagrams. Improper brake repair can be extremely dangerous. If you're unsure about any step, seek professional assistance.
