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Before you begin: It’s a good idea to pay close attention to how your vehicle brakes before AND after installation to make sure your brakes are functioning properly once the job is completed. Also, use plenty of brake cleaner throughout the process of tearing down. It will improve the longevity and performance of your brakes. |
Step 1: Remove the Brake Drum
Pull out on the drum to remove it from the hub.
You can hit the drum with a rubber mallet if needed, but don’t use a hammer or you could damage the drum.
You can hit the drum with a rubber mallet if needed, but don’t use a hammer or you could damage the drum.
Step 2: Inspect the Drum and Clean the Assembly
Inspect the drum after removal. If the braking surface of the drum has cracks, blue spots or grooves, it needs to be turned or replaced, which is a service most of our stores offer. Once the drum is removed, check for moisture or dampness at the wheel cylinder.
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Do It Right: If one wheel cylinder is bad, the other will begin to leak soon as well, so they should both be replaced. Always replace wheel cylinders in pairs. |
Spray down the whole assembly with brake cleaner. It’s easier to clean the parts while they’re still installed.
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Do It Right: Brake cleaner will strip paint, so use it carefully. |
Step 3: Remove the Old Shoes
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Do It Right: Regardless of the vehicle you’re working on, it’s important to take pictures of the assembly once the drum is removed, and set components on the floor in a way that helps you remember which way they’ll go in when you replace them. Do this on both sides once the drums are off, so you’ll have a way to keep track of how everything fits together. |
Turn the brake adjuster with a screwdriver or brake spoon to relieve the tension on the lower springs holding the shoes tight.
Use pliers to remove the springs. Remove the brake shoe retaining pins. Start removing the old shoes by pulling them away from the backing plate allowing access to the spring holding the shoes together behind the star adjuster. Loosen the star adjuster and remove the spring which will allow the left shoe to be released from the other shoe. Take the right hand shoe and remove the emergency brake cable.
Now remove the old shoes.
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Do It Right: As you remove components from the brake system, set them on the floor or on a table in the same arrangement as they were in on the backing plate. This will help you remember where the parts go when you reattach them. It also allows you to compare the new kit with the old to make sure you’ve got the right parts. They should be identical except for the wear. Brake shoe springs should be replaced with every set of brake shoes. Brake springs lose elasticity like rubber bands and will not hold the brake shoes firmly if worn. |
Step 4: Clean and Inspect the Star Wheel
Clean and inspect the star wheel. It should turn freely the entire range of the threads. The star wheel assembly should be replaced if it will not turn freely. If there is rust on the threads it should be replaced. Never clean the star wheel assembly with a steel brush. Also, if the zinc rust-preventative coating is missing, it will rust and freeze up quickly, not allowing your brakes to adjust automatically.
Step 5: Replace the Primary Shoe
Match the shoe lining and the holes on the new shoe to the lining and holes on the old shoe, to ensure you’re replacing the same shoe. The length of the brake friction material may vary slightly.
Use pliers to pull down on the spring of the parking brake cable to attach it to the parking brake lever. If there is rust present, check the parking brake cable to make sure it is working freely before starting assembly, and replace the cable if necessary.
Due to the spring behind the star adjuster on this vehicle, it’s easier to start with the shoes away from the backing plate near the axle hub. Install the star adjuster between the left brake shoe and the right emergency brake lever. Install the spring between the two shoes behind the star adjuster. Slide both shoes into place against the backing plate.
Due to the spring behind the star adjuster on this vehicle, it’s easier to start with the shoes away from the backing plate near the axle hub. Install the star adjuster between the left brake shoe and the right emergency brake lever. Install the spring between the two shoes behind the star adjuster. Slide both shoes into place against the backing plate.
Replace the brake shoe retaining pin on both brake shoes, turning it ninety degrees to secure it.
Install the lower brake spring between the two shoes. Install the self adjuster lever onto the star adjuster. Install the brake spring on the left side of the assembly between the self adjuster lever and the bottom of the brake shoe.
Use the star wheel adjuster to adjust the shoes outward, making sure the drum will fit over the shoes and onto the studs or hub freely.
Step 6: Install the New Brake Drum
Wipe down the brake surface of your new or resurfaced brake drum with brake cleaner and install it. Adjust the shoes out until you feel slight resistance against the drum.
On our application, we’ll locate our inspection plug on our backing plate and replace it. Repeat these steps on the other side. Both sides of the vehicle should have the same amount of resistance between the shoe and the drum.
Once you’ve got your wheels back on, finger-tighten the lug nuts and let your vehicle back down. Then tighten your lug nuts in a star pattern. Use a torque wrench to make sure you tighten them to manufacturer specifications.
Once you’ve got your wheels back on, finger-tighten the lug nuts and let your vehicle back down. Then tighten your lug nuts in a star pattern. Use a torque wrench to make sure you tighten them to manufacturer specifications.
Shop Brake Parts
Brake maintenance does not have to be difficult; let O’Reilly Auto Parts help. We carry all the brake system parts, tools, and supplies you may need to keep your vehicle braking safely.
Learn About Your Vehicle's Brake System
The first step to servicing your brakes is knowing what type of brakes your vehicle uses, and how the different components perform together.
Learn More About BrakeBest
BrakeBest offers a complete line of brake friction products that includes brake pads, ceramic brake pads, brake rotors and brake shoes.Made from the highest quality materials, BrakeBest sets the standard for automotive brake system maintenance and repair.
When to Change Brake Pads
Keeping your brake system healthy helps keep you and your family safe. There are several factors that determine how quickly brake pads wear out – the type of vehicle, type of use and the type of pads all make a difference.
How to Replace Brake Pads & Rotors
If your vehicle doesn't use drum brakes, it's important to replace pads and rotors when they begin to wear out to keep you safe and your vehicle performing at its best.
The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.