This document provides steps for performing a rear drum brake job, which includes cleaning parts, removing springs and the adjuster assembly, taking out the wheel cylinders, installing new parts in reverse order, adjusting the shoes to the right amount of drag, and bleeding the brakes. The job is being done because of a leaking wheel cylinder, and includes replacing worn shoes per the customer's request.

1. Steps to performing a Perfect!!!
Rear Drum Brake job

2. This one had a leaking wheel cylinder
and owner requested shoe
replacement, even though shoes still
had miles on them. Clean the parts with
wet cleaner to prevent dust.

3. Begin by removing the shoe return
springs. This spring holds the
automatic adjuster lever.

4. The rear spring also helps return the
shoes to rest position.

5. Remove the brake adjuster assembly.

6. Next, remove the hold-down cup and
spring from the primary (front) brake
shoe.

7. Don’t lose the hold-down pin.

8. Carefully remove the primary shoe, and
then remove the lower return spring.

9. Repeat on secondary (rear) shoe.

10. Grip inner cable with pliers, and
remove parking brake cable from
secondary shoe.

11. With all the hardware removed from the
shoe table (backing plate), remove the
wheel cylinders next.

12. Continue cleaning with a solvent
soaked rag, finish by spraying with
brake cleaner and dry with rag.
Inspect ABS sensor and tone ring.

13. Install to new wheel cylinder, apply high
temp brake lubricant to shoe contact
pads on shoe table.

14. Transfer parts to new shoe.

15. Finish by cleaning and lubing small
parts.

16. Reassemble in reverse order. Clean
your greasy fingerprints off brake shoes
(yes, mom…)

17. Stand back and admire your work, but
don’t screw around too long. Here
comes the boss..

18. Ok, the boss is gone. We gotta finish
this up. It’s a customer waiter. Measure
the inside of the drum with caliper.

19. Use the caliper to make a quick, basic
adjustment of shoes. This will save a
lot of work adjusting shoes through a
tiny hole.

20. Make small adjustments to “star-wheel”
and check by slipping drum on to see
how much drag there is.
Perfect amount is “just barely”!

21. Closer view of business end of
“star-wheel” adjuster. Finish up with a
quick brake bleed…

22. …and if you do everything right, you
should be able to stop by the house on
your way home!