By Justin Changing brake shoes involves several steps. First, gather all the necessary tools for the job. Make sure you have a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, and the new brake shoes. Next, prepare the vehicle by parking on a level surface, engaging the parking brake, and chocking the wheels. Once the vehicle is secure, you can proceed to remove the old brake shoes. After removing the old shoes, install the new ones following the manufacturer's instructions. Finally, perform final checks to ensure that the brake shoes are properly installed and that the vehicle is safe to drive.
Gather Necessary Tools
Before you begin changing your brake shoes, it's important to assemble all the necessary tools for the job. You'll need a few key items to make sure a smooth process. First, grab a lug wrench and a jack. You'll use these to lift your car and remove the wheels, giving you access to the brake assembly. Don't overlook the importance of jack stands for safety; they'll keep your car securely elevated while you work.
Next, you'll need a set of pliers and a screwdriver. These are critical for removing and adjusting different components of the brake system. A hammer might also come in handy, especially if you encounter any stubborn parts. Remember, it's all about applying the right amount of force without causing damage.
Moreover, a brake spring tool will be your best friend in removing and installing the springs that hold the brake shoes in place. It's a specific tool for this job, making sure you don't struggle with these high-tension components.
To end, don't forget a good quality brake cleaner. It's vital for cleaning the assembly and making sure your new brake shoes have a clean surface to adhere to. With these tools at your disposal, you're ready to tackle the job with confidence.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Having gathered all the necessary tools, it's time to prepare your vehicle for the change of brake shoes. Initially, make sure your car is parked on a level surface to prevent it from rolling. For an extra layer of safety, place wheel chocks behind the wheels that you're not working on. This step is important for preventing any unintended movement of the vehicle.
Next, you'll need to lift the car. Use a floor jack to raise the vehicle at its designated jack points, which are usually found in the car's manual. Once the car is high enough, securely place jack stands under the frame or the specified support areas to keep the car elevated safely while you work. Never rely solely on the hydraulic jack to support the vehicle's weight during the brake shoe replacement process.
After making sure the car is stable on the jack stands, remove the wheel cover (if your vehicle has them) to access the wheel nuts. You're now ready to loosen these nuts slightly. Remember, you're not removing the wheel just yet—just loosening the nuts in preparation for the next steps. This preparation ensures a smoother process when you're ready to access the brake assembly directly.
Remove Old Brake Shoes
With your vehicle securely lifted and the wheel nuts loosened, it's time to remove the old brake shoes. Initially, you'll need to make sure that you've got all the necessary tools at hand. This process isn't complicated, but it requires attention to detail and patience.
To make this task easier, here are a few key steps to follow:
- Remove the brake drum: Take off the brake drum to expose the brake shoes. This can sometimes require a bit of force because of rust or debris.
- Disconnect the springs and adjuster: Use brake spring pliers or a similar tool to carefully disconnect the springs and the adjuster linking the brake shoes. Keep track of each component's placement for reassembly.
- Slide out the old brake shoes: Once the springs and adjuster are disconnected, you can slide the brake shoes out of their position. Be mindful of the brake line and try not to strain it.
- Clean the area: Before installing new brake shoes, it's a good idea to clean the area where the brake components sit. Use a brake cleaner spray and a wire brush to remove dust and rust.
Install New Brake Shoes
Now that you've cleaned the area and removed the old brake shoes, it's time to install the new ones. Begin by positioning each new brake shoe in its respective place. You'll notice that brake shoes typically come in pairs with one being slightly larger — this is the primary shoe, and it goes towards the front of the vehicle. The smaller, or secondary shoe, fits towards the rear.
Make sure you're fitting the shoes correctly by aligning them with the backing plate. The holes in the shoes should match up with where the hold-down pins and springs are located. Once aligned, press each shoe into place and secure it with the new hold-down pins and springs provided in your brake shoe kit.
Here's a quick guide to help you remember the key steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Position the new brake shoes |
| 2 | Identify and place the primary and secondary shoes |
| 3 | Align shoes with the backing plate |
| 4 | Secure with hold-down pins and springs |
After you've secured the shoes, reattach any components you had to remove, like the adjuster and springs. Make sure everything is tight and correctly positioned before moving on to the next steps in your brake maintenance.
Perform Final Checks
Before you consider the job finished, it's essential to perform thorough final checks to make sure everything is correctly installed and functioning. After installing new brake shoes, these final steps are critical to ensure your safety and the vehicle's proper operation. Don't rush this part; double-checking your work can save you from future headaches and guarantee that your brake system works flawlessly.
Here are a few key points to check:
- Ensure the brake shoes are properly aligned with the drum. Misalignment can cause uneven wear or braking issues.
- Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. If it's low, top it off to the correct level. This is essential for the brake system's performance.
- Test the brake pedal firmness. After the installation, the pedal should feel firm and not spongy when you press down. A spongy feel can indicate air in the brake lines.
- Inspect for any leaks around the brake drum and the hydraulic lines. Even a small leak can lead to brake failure, so it's essential to address any issues immediately.
Conclusion
You've successfully changed your brake shoes!
Initially, you gathered all the necessary tools, then prepared your vehicle for the job.
You removed the old brake shoes, installed the new ones, and performed final checks to make sure everything's in top shape.
Remember, regular maintenance is key to your vehicle's longevity and safety.
Now, you can drive with peace of mind, knowing your brakes are in excellent condition.
Great job on tackling this task yourself!