DIY: Drum Brakes

Type 2:

• Lightly lubricate support plate shoe contact surfaces with suitable brake lube.
• Position leading shoe return spring on shoe, then while holding shoe away from support, engage return spring in support plate and swing shoe end into position under anchor.
• Install parking brake lever on trailing shoe.
• Install trailing shoe return spring on shoe, then while holding shoe away from support, engage return spring in support plate and swing shoe end into position under anchor.
• Spread shoes apart and install adjuster screw assembly. Ensure forked end enters the leading shoe with curved tines facing down.
• Using a suitable pair of pliers, install hold-down springs and shoe to anchor springs.
• Pull back parking brake cable return spring slightly to expose cable, then slide parking brake cable into parking brake lever and release spring.
• Install brake drum and bearings. Refer to individual car chapter for wheel bearing adjustment procedure.
• Adjust brakes.
• Install tire and wheel assembly.
• If any hydraulic connections have been opened, bleed brake system.
• Check master cylinder level, replenish as necessary.
• Check brake pedal for proper feel and return.
• Lower vehicle and road test. Do not severely apply brakes immediately after installation of new brake linings or permanent damage may occur to linings and/or brake drums may become scored. Brakes must be used moderately during first several hundred miles of operation to ensure proper burnishing of linings.

Type 3:

• Lightly lubricate anchor plate shoe contact surfaces with suitable brake lube.
• Assemble automatic adjuster screw assembly, return spring and shoe-to-shoe spring to brake shoe assembly.
• Position lining assembly near anchor plate, then assemble parking brake lever to trailing shoe webbing. Secure with C-clip.
• Install lining assembly onto anchor plate. When positioned, back off adjuster nut to seat brake shoe ends in wheel cylinder.
• Install hold-down springs.
• Position adjuster lever, then using suitable pliers, install adjuster lever spring.
• Install brake drum and bearings.
• Adjust brakes.
• Install tire and wheel assembly.
• If any hydraulic connections have been opened, bleed brake system.
• Check master cylinder level, and replenish as necessary.
• Check brake pedal for proper feel and return.
• Lower vehicle and road test. Do not severely apply brakes immediately after installation of new brake linings or permanent damage may occur to linings and/or brake drums may become scored. Brakes must be used moderately during first several hundred miles of operation to ensure proper burnishing.

Brake Adjustment:

• Remove rubber adjusting hole covers from brake supports.

NOTE: Some adjustment holes are in the backing plate and some are in the drum. Some are pre-cut and others need to be opened. You will see a partially stamped cutout in either the drum or backing plate. To open the hole, use a hammer and chisel to pop out the cutout. When you are done, be sure to install rubber covers to keep water and dirt from entering.

• Release parking brake and back off cable adjustment to slacken cable.
• Step on the brake five or six times to seat the shoes.
• Insert a narrow screwdriver into adjusting nut hole. Move screwdriver handle downward on left side or upward on right side until wheels are locked.
• Back off nut 10 clicks.
• Adjust parking brake

   This job will require a moderate skill level. If you do not feel comfortable doing this job yourself, then I would recommend taking it to a qualified mechanic and have it done. It is not difficult to do, but getting springs and shoes into position can be tricky. Sometimes you'll wish you had three hands while you do this. Be patient and take your time and it will come together.

   Start to finish, to do both sides, you can figure on about three hours to do the job. If you take the drums to the parts store to be resurfaced before you start, they will probably be ready by the time you are done.

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