- Set of new brake shoes
- C-clamp
- Flathead screwdriver
- Wrench set
- Jack and jack stands
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Instructions:
1. Park your vehicle in a safe location and turn off the engine. Allow it to cool down completely. Engage the parking brake.
2. Raise your vehicle with a jack and place the jack stands under the vehicle for extra stability. Make sure to follow the proper lifting points indicated in your owner's manual.
3. Locate the brake drums behind the wheels. They are usually metal cylinders that cover the brake shoes.
4. Remove the hubcaps or wheel covers (if equipped). Use a flathead screwdriver to pry them off gently.
5. Use a wrench to loosen the lug nuts (but don't remove them completely). Lug nuts are the nuts that hold the wheel in place.
6. Raise the vehicle high enough until the tires are off the ground.
7. Completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel. Set the wheel aside.
8. Locate the two bolts holding the brake drum in place. They are usually located on the back of the brake drum.
9. Use the wrench to loosen and remove the bolts. Set the bolts aside.
10. Gently pull the brake drum off the vehicle. Be careful not to damage the brake shoes or other components inside.
11. Inspect the brake shoes. Look for any signs of wear, damage, or contamination. If the brake shoes are excessively worn or damaged, replace them with new ones.
12. Use a C-clamp to compress the brake caliper piston back into the caliper. Place one end of the C-clamp on the brake piston and the other on a metal surface on the brake caliper. Tighten the C-clamp until the piston is fully seated.
13. Install the new brake shoes. Make sure to position them correctly and align the brake shoe tabs with the slots on the backing plate.
14. Slip the brake drum back onto the vehicle and reinstall the bolts. Tighten the bolts securely.
15. Install the wheel. Hand-tighten the lug nuts and lower the vehicle until the tires touch the ground.
16. Use a wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Tighten them firmly but do not over-tighten.
17. Lower the vehicle completely and remove the jack stands.
18. Test the brakes by stepping on the brake pedal. The brakes should feel firm and responsive.
Note: If you're not comfortable performing this task, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
