Drum Brakes

OUMike · December 7, 2007

I'm having to replace my rear axle seals (I've been told they have a slow leak), and sometimes in the morning my rear brakes groan. So...I kinda feel like I'm gonna be replacing brake parts back there. Does that sound about right? What else would cause the brakes to groan? Maybe it isn't the brakes?

Disc brakes are easy, but what things might I need to know to help me get started on the back ones? I dunno crap about drums.

Dread00 · December 7, 2007

You may try adjusting the rear brakes, they are self-adjusting, all you have to do is drive in reverse about 10 or 15 mph or so and aggressively apply the brakes, enough to where you stop pretty quickly.

If its your first time doing rear drum brakes and your doing it yourself I would personally buy a illustrated step by step repair guide, or find someone you know that has done this before a few times to help. As for tools, the only thing that I really needed is the spring tool, makes it much easier to get the springs off and on.

Spoonman · December 7, 2007

First, get ready to get dirty! Assuming they are original they could be making noise. You can pull the drums off and inspect the wear on pads/shoes and drums. If there seams to be significant pad left and inside of drum is in good shape they probably do not need changing. If not, have an assortment of pliers and screwdrivers handy, there are several springs that have to be removed and re-installed to do the job which take some tugging and pulling. Also only do one side at a time, have both drums off, one to reference the spring and pad orientation once one set is removed (it is d**n near impossible to visualize once removed. It is not real hard but worth considering getting done at a shop. Having not done them before, you might try and recruit some experienced help.

I have done them in the past but would consider a shop depending on how much available time I have, Probably allow an hour per side for first timer, plus all off the mess from the brake dust...............

murky024 · December 7, 2007

Oh this note... Are there any drum brake to disc brake conversions anyone could do? If I went to the junk yard, could I say pull the brakes from a Denali and convert them over to mine? I know when I worked at UPS they developed a drum to disc conversion kit because it saved time and money over a 2 year period...