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REPLACING A REAR BRAKE KIT

- 1 hammer- 1 hexagon deep socket and a T wrench- 1 set plain slot screwdrivers- 1 brake cleaner aerosol- bent nose pliers- 1 steel brush- 1 flare spanner

45 minutes / wheel

EQUIPMENT

DIFFICULTYTIME

A drum brake system differs from a disc brake system. Instead of brake pads, which are set into the brake calliper, drum brakes have brake shoes. Where the brake pads on disc brakes are pressed against a disc when you’re braking, the brake shoes are pressed against a brake drum. The generated resistance is then used to slow down the vehicle. Drum brakes feature predominantly on smaller cars.

DRUM BRAKES

On Mister-Auto.co.uk you’ll find a large variety of brake kit brands for your car. You’ve no doubt heard of the biggest brands such as Bosch, Mintex, Ferodo or Bendix. Drum brakes are essential car parts for your safety on the road. We therefore recommend you always choose a quality brand. Mister-Auto’s discount prices allow you to save considerably on your brake parts, so please try not to cut your budget. A brake drum kit will cost you between £50 and £200, depending on the make of your car.Before ordering, it is important to check a couple of things on your vehicle.

In fact, Mister-Auto offers you a large variety of different brands for your car but not all will fit. To avoid making a mistake in your choice, we recommend you check all sides of your brake shoes. Take a close look at the shape of the wheel brake cylinder as well.

HOW TO CHOOSE DRUM BRAKE PARTS?

TIPS FROMMISTER-AUTO

• Never blow on drum brake parts when they are disassembled. To

clean any of the parts, a lways use a proper

cleaning spray. For a long time drum brake parts have

contained asbestos. Although that has now changed, it is possible that your drum brakes still contain this dangerous substance, especially if you drive an older car.

• If besides the brake shoes, you’re replacing the drum as well, remember to give it a clean by pulling off the paraffin layer and thoroughly scratch the inside of the drum with a piece of glass paper.

• PLEASE NOTE: for a brake drum replacement, the braking system needs to be bled. If you’ve never bled your brakes before, we strongly recommend you ask a professional mechanic to do it for you.

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DRUM BRAKES

Dismount a wheel.

Remove the drum shaped metal covering that is fixed in the middle of the brake drum. It’s best to remove this part with a screwdriver or a small chisel. Gently tap onto the tool to free the covering. Be careful not to damage it because these covers are rarely included in a drum brake kit.

Free the main nut with a hexagon deep socket and a T wrench.

Study the inside drum brake

Remove the metal covering

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WHEN TO CHANGE YOUR DRUM BRAKES?

CHANGING YOUR DRUM BRAKES IN 22 EASY STEPS

Most car manufacturers will advise you to check your drum brakes every 18 500 miles. Drum brake parts only need replacing every 62 100 to 93 200 miles. There are different indications to worn drum brakes:• You feel jolting movements in

the brake pedal.

• Yo u h e a r s c r a t c h i n g o r squeaking noises.

• There is unusual play in the hand brake lever when pulling it up (if you count more than six teeth underneath, you’ll need to clean the brake shoes and drums.)

• The brake lining is too worn.

• The brake l in ing is stuck aga ins t the whee l b rake cylinder.

• The return springs are faulty.• The drum is not round anymore

but oval.

Dismount a wheel

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DRUM BRAKES

Take a moment to study the location of all the elements and take a picture if necessary to help you putting everything back in the right place.

Put a bucket underneath the wheel and thoroughly clean all the parts with brake cleaner.

Prepare the new brake shoes. It’s best to buy a drum brake kit, because the brake shoes are already assembled and therefore easier to insert into the brake drum.

Remove the retainer pins you’ll find on the brake shoes. Use bent nose pliers to release the pin by turning a quarter of a turn.

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Release the hand brake. The drum will fall out by itself. If the drum show a lot of wear signs, wedge two screwdrivers between the two halves of the brake drum and use them as levers to push the top part out. If necessary you can gently tap onto the brake drum to make sure the brake lining comes loose of the drum.

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Look at the place of every singular part

Remove the retainer pins

The brake drum and shoesStep

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DRUM BRAKES

Scratch the hand brake cable with some brake cleaner. Pay particular attention to the wires and the teeth. Don’t forget to grease them.

Dismount the hydraulic connection you’ll find behind the seat. It can be disconnected by unscrewing a nut.

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Remove the hand brake cable. Take the return spring that surrounds the cable to the side with a spanner. Then free it.

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Remove the retainer pins

Brake drum without hand brake cable

Clean the hand brake cable

Clean hand brake cable

Remove the hand brake cable

Remove the return springs with a spanner. You can also take them off in one go by pulling on the brake shoes.

9Remove the brake shoes

Remove the brake shoesStep

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DRUM BRAKES

Install the new wheel b rake cy l i nder and connect the hydraulic wire.

Insert the hand brake cable into the new brake shoes.

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Thoroughly clean the parts you’ve just dismounted with some brake cleaning spray.

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Replace the cylinder

Grease the hub

Replace the hand brake cable Install the brake shoes

Change the brake shoes

Remove the wheel brake cylinder via the fitting points also located behind the brake drum. The brake drum cylinder is kept in place by two studs.13

Unscrew the wheel brake cylinder Remove the wheel brake cylinder

Disconnect the hydraulic hose

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DRUM BRAKES

Assemble the drum after having cleaned it.

Pull up and release your hand brake about 10 times to ensure it works properly. Please note: the middle nut must be tightened according to the manufacturer instructions.

Reattach the wheel. Remember to take about 180 miles to allow the parts to set. In case you notice considerable wear to the inside of the brake drum, we recommend you change this part as well to ensure the brake linings will be properly pressed against it.

Bleed the braking system (see our article Bleeding the Brakes).

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Check whether all the nuts and bolts have been tightened and there are no left-over parts.

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Assemble the drum

All done

Mount all the parts onto the seat and fit the retainer pins. Turn them a quarter of a turn. Have someone else assist you at this point.17

Fit the retainer pins Brake shoes with retainer pins

Retainer pin

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