BRAKES - Drum how-to (tools, cylinders, shoes and hardware)

[85crownHPP]

re-did my drum brakes thanks to the groundhog and the old man - heres some info!

return spring tool - press this over the post and twist to remove the spring



hold down spring tool - again push and twist



misc spring tool - slip the end over the spring arm, twist in to lock the tool onto the spring. much easier than using side cutters or pliers!!!



my wheel cylinder came out with a 1/2" on the bolts, and a 7/16" line wrench on the line.



lube!
also lube the threads and cap on the star adjuster



tada!
drum brakes require patience - many parts to remeber where they go, and as you re-assemble, the shoes like to shift around on you while you set the springs, and can cuase other parts to fall out of place and raise your blood pressure.



adjust them up - more info on this here

[Archangel]

Pete, where did you get the springs and the clips from, is there a kit for them?

[Paul_]

Excellent writeup!

[Lincolnmania]

dont forget to check the backing plate for grooves from the brake shoes, and make sure the parking brake cables arent stuck on........also check your rear brake hose.......they go bad from age
scott

[85crownHPP]

Ivan - I got all the parts from napa - they listed everything except the one spring that keeps the large bar spanning both shoes tight.
The spring kit came seperate from the adjusting parts (star wheel, lever, cable and guide) but they werent much. I think (with my shop discount) all the hardware you see for both sides was about 35 bucks (not including shoes and cylinders). just the spring kit was 15-20 bucks. Id at least get the cable & guide too becuase Ive seen a lot of broken cables and guides with broken shoe lips - the part that centers them in the shoe hole.

[AOD]

I watched Eric do the drums on my car, since I had never done them before, man...you weren't kidding about the patience part. The drum brake tool made things a lot easier though, I couldn't imagine trying to do it without.

Good write-up.

[Grand Marquis GT]

After LOTS of practice and a brake pliers, I find rear brakes to be easy, if you do one side at a time, using the other side as a visual aide..

[85MercPark]

After LOTS of practice and a brake pliers, I find rear brakes to be easy, if you do one side at a time, using the other side as a visual aide..

:stupid: but I just use Vice Grips