Drums

[Hungrycat7]

OK more brake issues for me. 03 Taurus. . . I got new shoes, new cylinders, and new hardware. I have the Haynes repair manual and found a video on YouTube on how to do this. I guess my question is should I attempt this? I have seen drum brakes done once before but never did this myself. How bad could it possibly go? I was also hoping for more info on adjusting them once I do get them done. How do you know when they are adjusted just right?

[Willyum]

Fundamental thing is to do ONLY ONE SIDE AT A TIME. You can go look at the side that's still together if you forget how things go.
Why new cylinders and hardware?

[Hungrycat7]

Got the new cylinders and hardware because one of my buddies had already purchased them for his 03 then sold it. He gave them to me for free so I figure I might as well use them.

[Willyum]

The rear drums are self adjusting. Back up a few times, stepping on the pedal. Gives you a chance to make sure you have "pedal" and it tightens them up. You will likely find that changing the cylinders is unnecessary and will be the most difficult part of the job.

[way2old]

If the wheel cylinders are dry, they are OK. When you adjust the shoes, tighten them until you can feel just a slight dear from the shoes on the drum. That will be close enough for the self adjusters to take over and keep them in adjustment.