How Do You Remove And Replace Drum Brakes? - Fixanswer

Replacing drum brakes isn't difficult but it requires special tools and a little caution. In return, you save on hefty auto mechanics bills. This article will describe the general process, but you will still want to consult the manual for your car's particular make and model.

What is needed to change drum brakes?

You'll need a

drum brake retainer spring tool and a pair of drum brake spring pliers

. These can often be purchased as a set. You'll also need simple tools like a hammer, pliers, and other assorted hand tools to get everything apart.

How do you remove drum brakes?

Locate the access hole on the outside of the brake drum.
Turn the brake drum so that the access hole is aligned with the drum's adjuster screw.
Turn the adjuster screw counterclockwise until it comes to a halt.
Pull the drum off of the wheel.

How long does it take to replace drum brakes?

Generally, A Brake inspection takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to replace the brakes including rotors and pads, & other vehicle components. Originally Answered: How long should brake service normally take? With all the proper tools and equipments it should only take

about 45 to an hour tops

.

How do you know when drum brakes need replacing?

Inconsistent brake pedal feel. If the rear brakes are drum brakes, the driver may feel vibrations under braking. …
Hand brake feels loose. If the hand brake requires a hard yank to keep the car from rolling off, chances are the brake shoes need replacing. …
Scraping noise while braking.

How much does it cost to replace drum brakes?

The average brake drum replacement cost averages

between $275 and $399

depending on the type of the vehicle you have the type of repair shop you're taking your vehicle to.

Why do my rear drum brakes lock up?

One of the most common causes of one or two wheel lockup on drum brake equipped vehicles is the

service and/or parking brake adjustment

. … If the parking brake system is not de-adjusted properly before the brake shoes are adjusted it will cause the rear brakes to engage too soon.

What is the biggest disadvantage of the drum brake system?

Excessive heating can happen due to heavy braking, which then can cause the drum to distort, and thus cause vibration under braking.
Under hard braking, the diameter of the drum increases slightly due to thermal expansion, the driver must press the brake pedal farther.

How do you know if your rear drum brakes are going bad?

One of the first symptoms of bad or failing drum brakes is

unusual brake pedal feel

. If the brake drums are worn excessively they can cause vibrations that may be felt in the pedal. Worn drums may also cause shuddering or pulsating that will become noticeable once you step on the pedal.

How much should a rear drum brake job cost?

If you aren't comfortable replacing brake drums yourself, you can always head to a dealership or mechanic and pay to have it done. The average national cost is

between $233 and $338

for the entire process. This includes $171 to $217 in labor, and $62 to $121 in parts.

How long does it take for new brake pads to bed in?

“Bedding-in new pads and rotors should be done carefully and slowly… Most brake pad compounds will take

up to 300-400 miles

to fully develop an even transfer film on the rotors.” Failure to follow these procedures may result in brake judder, excessive noise, or other difficulties in bedding-in the new brake pads.

Is it hard to change drum brakes?

While drum brakes do have a completely different layout and mode of operation than disc brakes do,

they are usually no more difficult to service

, and often require only a basic set of hand tools and a drum brake adjustment tool to get the job done.

What are signs of bad rotors?

VIBRATION. When rotors are warped or very worn, the contact between it and the brake pad can be imperfect. …
NOISE. Worn brakes are noisy and persistent squealing or squeaking is a sure sign of problems. …
VISIBLE DAMAGE. …
STOPPING DISTANCE. …
WILL I NEED TO GET THE ROTORS REPLACED?

When should rear brakes be replaced?

As a general rule, you should get your brake pads replaced

every 10,000 to 20,000 miles

to keep wear to a minimum. When it comes to your rotors, you have a bit longer. Your rotors should be replaced between 50,000 and 70,000 miles to keep your brakes in peak health.