Replacing drum brake shoes/others?

**Yukonrider** · 07-08-2008, 01:57 PM

So basically got oil in my drums due to failed seals, fixed seals, brakes suck.

Ive only played with bike brakes really, so I know nothing about drums.

Should I take it to a shop, or is this something I can do myself with no special equipment?

Obviously Ill need new pads, but will i need new drums, or will brake parts cleaner and towels work?

/jong

**BobMc** · 07-08-2008, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by Yukonrider

So basically got oil in my drums due to failed seals, fixed seals, brakes suck.

Ive only played with bike brakes really, so I know nothing about drums.

Should I take it to a shop, or is this something I can do myself with no special equipment?

Obviously Ill need new pads, but will i need new drums, or will brake parts cleaner and towels work?

/jong

A set of needle nosed vice grips, dykes and a couple screwdrivers can usually get most drum brakes changed, depending on the model.

As far as the drums go, if they still measure in spec just clean them off with brake clean and then soap and water. Depending on the surface of them, you might want to have them turned.

BobMc

**bmg97** · 07-09-2008, 08:09 AM

Do yourself a favor and bring it to a shop. Drums are a bitch ! The internal parts should be properly lubed before all goes back together... if you can get it back together.

I do all my own work except for drum brakes.

**SpinalTap** · 07-09-2008, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by bmg97

Do yourself a favor and bring it to a shop. Drums are a bitch ! The internal parts should be properly lubed before all goes back together... if you can get it back together.

I do all my own work except for drum brakes.

Common man, drums aren't that bad. Sure it'll take a few swear words and some finesse, but all in all, they're pretty easy to work on.

Clean the drums, put new pads in, and you'll be good to go.

**bmg97** · 07-09-2008, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by SpinalTap

Common man, drums aren't that bad. Sure it'll take a few swear words and some finesse, but all in all, they're pretty easy to work on.

Clean the drums, put new pads in, and you'll be good to go.

Well I hate them !! Fuck Drum Brakes !!! Had to get that out.

Make sure you either take a pic before you take everything apart or take one apart and leave the other one intact for reference.

**SpinalTap** · 07-09-2008, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by bmg97

Make sure you either take a pic before you take everything apart or take one apart and leave the other one intact for reference.

Amen to that!

**Yukonrider** · 07-09-2008, 01:47 PM

See Im not worried about getting them apart, getting them together.... And all the springs scare me, but when the shoes cost $50, brake cleaner $10 for a few cans, and grease $10 maybe, and the dealer is saying $270.... You see where I'm going.

**El Chupacabra** · 07-09-2008, 01:55 PM

Drums are a PITA, but if you do one side at a time, and follow any repair manual (even cheap ones like Haynes or Chilton), you'll be fine.

**bmg97** · 07-09-2008, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Yukonrider

See Im not worried about getting them apart, getting them together.... And all the springs scare me, but when the shoes cost $50, brake cleaner $10 for a few cans, and grease $10 maybe, and the dealer is saying $270.... You see where I'm going.

Thats why I said take it to the shop ! Is your time worth it ? Another thing about bringing your car to the dealer.. They replace all the bad parts. I just took my Durango to the dealer for new front calipers. They replaced all the nuts and bolts, new hoses and new clips etc. Plus if there are any problems just bring it back !

P.S. I was going to mention the springs. They fly sooo far when they pop off