Whether you are an experienced mechanic or a DIY car enthusiast, knowing how to replace drum brakes is an essential skill. Drum brakes have been used on vehicles for decades, and although they may not be as common as they once were, many vehicles still use this type of braking system. In this guide, we will walk you through 12 steps to replace drum brakes.

1. Gather Tools and Materials

Before beginning, gather the necessary tools and materials such as a jack and jack stands, a lug wrench, pliers, a brake spring tool, new brake shoes and hardware, brake cleaner, and a wire brush.

2. Ensure Safety

Park the vehicle on level ground, engage the parking brake and use wheel chocks to block the wheels. This precaution ensures your safety throughout the process.

3. Raise Vehicle and Remove Wheel

Using your jack, raise the vehicle off the ground and support it with jack stands. Remove the lug nuts using your lug wrench and then pull off the tire.

4. Remove Brake Drum

Take off the brake drum by pulling it straight out from the wheel studs. If it is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap it gently around the edges until it can be removed easily.

5. Inspect for Damage or Wear

Once you have access to the braking components, inspect them for any signs of damage or wear that could require additional maintenance or replacement.

6. Remove Retaining Springs and Adjuster

Using your pliers or brake spring tool, remove both retaining springs that hold the shoes in place by detaching their hooks from appropriate anchor points on the backing plate.

7. Remove Brake Shoes

Carefully detach both brake shoes from their supporting components and set them aside.

8. Clean Brake Components

Using a wire brush and brake cleaner, clean all surfaces of your working area including drums, backing plates, wheel studs, adjusters, and other hardware. This removal of dust and debris helps in proper functioning of your new brake components.

9. Install New Brake Shoes

Attach new brake shoes to the appropriate supporting components on the backing plate. Make sure the shoes are correctly aligned and seated in their proper locations.

10. Reinstall the Adjuster and Retaining Springs

Reinstall the adjuster and reattach both retaining springs, ensuring they are correctly attached to the anchor points on the backing plate.

11. Replace Brake Drum

Slide the brake drum back onto the wheel studs and ensure it sits flush against the new brake shoes.

12. Reinstall Wheel and Lower Vehicle

Put your tire back on, tighten the lug nuts, and carefully lower your vehicle to the ground.

Congratulations! You have successfully replaced your drum brakes. Be sure to test drive your vehicle slowly at first to ensure that everything is working correctly—smooth braking should be evident with minimal noise or vibration. Remember that routine maintenance is essential for optimal performance and long life of your braking system.