1. /// Mister-Auto’s DIY Guides
www.mister-auto.co.uk - 0844 338 00 21
*Please note: free and informative document for which Mister-Auto does not accept any responsibility or liability.
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 FROM
MISTER-AUTO
• Never blow on drum
brake parts when they
are disassembled. To
clean any of the parts,
always 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.

2. /// Mister-Auto’s DIY Guides
www.mister-auto.co.uk - 0844 338 00 21
*Please note: free and informative document for which Mister-Auto does not accept any responsibility or liability.
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
Step
1
2
3
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 scra t ch in 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 lining is stuck
against the wheel brake
cylinder.
• The return springs are faulty.
• The drum is not round anymore
but oval.
Dismount a wheel
Step
Step

3. /// Mister-Auto’s DIY Guides
www.mister-auto.co.uk - 0844 338 00 21
*Please note: free and informative document for which Mister-Auto does not accept any responsibility or liability.
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.
5
6
7
8
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.
4
Look at the place of every
singular part
Remove the retainer pins
The brake drum and shoes
Step
Step
Step
Step
Step

4. /// Mister-Auto’s DIY Guides
www.mister-auto.co.uk - 0844 338 00 21
*Please note: free and informative document for which Mister-Auto does not accept any responsibility or liability.
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.
11
12
Remove the hand brake cable.
Take the return spring that
surrounds the cable to the side
with a spanner. Then free it.
10
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.
9
Remove the brake shoes
Remove the brake shoes
Step
Step
Step
Step

5. /// Mister-Auto’s DIY Guides
www.mister-auto.co.uk - 0844 338 00 21
*Please note: free and informative document for which Mister-Auto does not accept any responsibility or liability.
DRUM BRAKES
Install the new wheel
brake cylinder and
connect the hydraulic
wire.
Insert the hand brake cable into the new brake shoes.
15
16
Thoroughly clean the parts you’ve just dismounted with some brake cleaning spray.
14
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
Step
Step
Step
Step

6. /// Mister-Auto’s DIY Guides
www.mister-auto.co.uk - 0844 338 00 21
*Please note: free and informative document for which Mister-Auto does not accept any responsibility or liability.
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).
19
20
21
22
Check whether all the nuts and bolts have been tightened and there are no left-over parts.
18
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
Step
Step
Step
Step
Step
Step