I was going to do my rear drum brake shoes tomorrow. I was wondering if anyone had any tips because i have never done the rear drums on my truck before. I have the hanyes manual, the shoes for both sides, and the tool. About how long should it take?

Thanks

 

The haynes manual is a pretty good guide. It can be a little conservative sometimes and doesn't always show the little shortcuts but it does usually present the most methodical way of doing things for the majority of us who are hobby mechanics. Stick to the book and it shouldn't take more than an hour or so.

 

you should always do one side at a time so you can always look at the other one for reference, i would also suggested buying the package of replacement springs, usually the old one are rust or break

 

you should get the whole hardware kit. the cylinders are probably rusted too

 

Definitely what these guys said. Replace every bit of harware that comeswith the kit. New c-clips, springs, etc. Something I always do on any brake job, especially drums, is to flood the area with brake cleaner prior to removing the old shoes and hardware. Get two, $3.00 cans of brake cleaner, and soak the snot out of it. I let it all fall into a cardboard box. Soaks it right up.

Anyone who sprays prior to doingthe work, can attest to how much brake dust is removed this way. Helps to see things much better. And don't be afraid to use half a can. Hit any and all parts you can see.


Wear some goggles too.


I check for any built up rust around the backplate. Then lube, and reassemble with the new parts. Just keep any grease off the brake shoe surface. It contaminates them and can cause all kinds of problems down the road.


Hope this helps a little.

Good luck with your ride.

 

+1 on the cleaner ... get more than you think you'll need.SOAK the new shoes andinner drum surface with cleaner (spray starting at the top and procede towards the bottom ... washing the items in a downward motion) and let them completely air dry. Do the shoes after installation. Any grease (finger oil?) can cause them to grab.

... and do NOT sit in brake cleaner ... burns like hell.

 

Yes please do spayed em down and sprayed back right in the eyes, thought i was going to be blind had to stumble to the sink, was not fun.

 

Advance Auto parts has Brake Cleaner - Buy 1 Get 1 free :-)
So, buy 4, pay for 2.

 

just did mine last nightthe hardware kit was $10 for both sidesat pepboys and the emergency brake adjuster kit was $11 for one side. need brake tools to do it. my brother in law did mine in 20 minutes but hes a mechanic, and had the right tools. check your drums u might need to get them turned