How hard is it to change brake shoes?

[slideways...]

it helps if you do one side at a time so you have a reference for where each spring goes. saves me some time usually.

[zudo]

J cat, I *think* I understand what you are saying. I'll pick up a couple extra drums when I buy my stuff, and return them if I don't need them.

Besides that what else should I pick up pretty standard? A kit for the springs, 2 of them right? And shoes... Are there certain kinds to stay away from? Should I just ask the store attendent what they reccommend?

[J-Ri]

Drums are cheap, I would repace them whether they really need them or not. If you reuse the old ones you should have them machined, which will be almost as much as new drums.

Raybestos are my top choice, but as long as you dont ask for "the cheapest you got", you should be able to stop fine. The hardware kit almost always comes with the springs for both sides, but ask at the store just to be sure. You will NEED a hold-down spring remover. You will also want to get a spring remover/installer (needle-nose vise grips will work, but the first time you slip and cut your knuckles open, you'll wish you bought one), basically a cup on one end of the rod and a small "v" on the other.

Be sure to clean and grease the points on the backing plate where the shoes contact or you'll get a squeak every time you step on the brake. Also disassemble the adjuster and clean/grease it. Cover the shoes with masking tape to keep grease and brake dust off them until you are ready to install the drums. Check the wheel cylinders for leakage. If there is any, replace it/them. Clean the hub surface with an abrasive pad or wire brush so the drum has a flat surface to go against. I would cover the hub flange with anti-seize to prevent rust and make the removal job much easier the next time you do it. Speaking of that, don't be supprised if you have to beat the drums with a hammer to break the rust loose. Install the lug nuts over the end of the studs to protect the threads incase your hammer ends up hitting one.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by J-Ri

Drums are cheap, I would repace them whether they really need them or not. If you reuse the old ones you should have them machined, which will be almost as much as new drums.

Raybestos are my top choice, but as long as you dont ask for "the cheapest you got", you should be able to stop fine. The hardware kit almost always comes with the springs for both sides, but ask at the store just to be sure. You will NEED a hold-down spring remover. You will also want to get a spring remover/installer (needle-nose vise grips will work, but the first time you slip and cut your knuckles open, you'll wish you bought one), basically a cup on one end of the rod and a small "v" on the other.

Be sure to clean and grease the points on the backing plate where the shoes contact or you'll get a squeak every time you step on the brake. Also disassemble the adjuster and clean/grease it. Cover the shoes with masking tape to keep grease and brake dust off them until you are ready to install the drums. Check the wheel cylinders for leakage. If there is any, replace it/them. Clean the hub surface with an abrasive pad or wire brush so the drum has a flat surface to go against. I would cover the hub flange with anti-seize to prevent rust and make the removal job much easier the next time you do it. Speaking of that, don't be supprised if you have to beat the drums with a hammer to break the rust loose. Install the lug nuts over the end of the studs to protect the threads incase your hammer ends up hitting one.

jr after reading your description of the repair process with the drum brakes i am very happy that i no longer have to deal with this .....disc brakes are soooo easy....... i would like to add when removing the shoes spray with a solution of water and dish soap as this will bind the dangerous brake lining fibers and reduce the injestion of this dust....i also don't recommend brake cleaner as this product will damge rubber and seals,,,,,,....

[J-Ri]

I won't be the least bit dissapointed when every last drum-equiped car is rusting in a salvage yard! They're a PITA compared to disc... that's the reason I converted the rear of my truck to disc