Brake Repair

How to Change Rear Brake Shoes

Rear brake shoes can be changed in 6 stages, each consisting of several steps.

To make things easier, you need the manufacturer’s manual and an appropriately labeled diagram of the rear brake system. This greatly simplifies the process.

You will need the following tools and materials for a rear shoe change.

Wrenches of various sizes
Rear brake shoes
Spring removal tool
Emergency brake traction arm
Spring retainer clip
New brake shoes
Screwdriver

Below are 9 steps to complete the repairs:

Step 1: Identifying Relevant Components

With the right tools, you can proceed by taking off the wheels and identifying the following parts:

Brake shoe retainer studs—these keep the brake items in place. Please locate these on the brakes.
Two brake shoes—located opposite of each other.
A return spring linking the two opposite brakes.
One wheel cylinder.
Self-adjusting actuator—hidden by the other, more superficial parts.

Step 2: Drum Removal

Please follow these steps:

Remove the drum and inspect for wear.
Remove the dust boot from the cylinder.
Check the wheel cylinder for any brake fluid leakage.
Check the return springs and mountain springs and, if damaged, replace.

Step 3: Removing Cylinder and Brake Shoes

Remove the return spring and disconnect the shoes.
Identify and remove the springs using the spring removal tool.

Step 4: Remove the Mounting Springs

This can be done through following the following steps:
Grab the retainer pin at the rear above the retainer clip, press downward and twist clockwise.
Remove the retainer as well as the spring(replace if necessary).
Match old and new brake shoes and all hardware pieces.

Step 5: Removing Wheel Cylinder

Loosen and remove the mounting fitting using an appropriate wrench (brake fluid leaks from loose line).
Remove mounting bolts that hold the cylinder in place.
Replace the wheel cylinder with a new unit.
Reattach the brake lines and mounting bolts for the wheel cylinder and tighten.
Clean the backing plate.

Step 6: Reassembling the New Parts

Reassemble the new parts to ensure the correct fitting of all hardware components.

Step 7: Adjusting Newly-Fitted Brake Shoes

Adjust shoes to lightly touch the drum.
Install the brake drum and spin it on the hub.

Step 8: Bleed the Brakes By Following These Procedures

Make sure your engine is turned on.
Disconnect the metal tubing that carries fluid to the wheels.
Give the brake pedal a few quick presses and then hold down.
Open the fluid reservoir unit.
Clean the fitting and remove it using a wrench.
Apply minimal pressure and reposition the fitting.
Ask a helper to depress the brake pedal, holding it down until the pressure ceases.
Now, replace the fittings.
Pump the brake pedals again to regain brake pressure.

Step 9: Final Safety Checks

Check the pressure indicators and pressure cutout mechanisms in the car to be sure all are working properly. You need to exercise only minimal pressure while fitting the rear brake. Dispose of the used brake fluid responsibly.