Changing rear drum brake pads

[Stealth]

I think I'm going to change all my brakes tomorrow. Last June me and a friend did just the front pads (yeah its only been like 7 or 8 months but I drive like a maniac). I have never changed the rear drum brake pads before. We couldn't figure out how to take it apart... but then again we only looked at it for a few minutes. Can anyone tell me step by step or give me a URL that shows me how?

[andyman61]

i've always been told that, unlike disc pads, drum pads never need to be changed. i don't know why, or if this is even true, but i'm interested to find out too.

[Gen3cruiser]

Um, there not magical brake pads. They have to be changed like any other brakes. Mine are at 30%, there the next thing to be replaced.

[Camdaddy]

Its not too hard to do, just time consuming...Go to an auto part store to get some drum brake tools, they can be purchased in a kit for cheap..also get a new shoes spring kit..its a kit with new springs...etc..maybe get a manual of some sort...if you haven't done drums before...to my experience drums are harder to work on than disc and pads...the labor rate for drums are higher than disc and pads...

[Camdaddy]

Basic run down I guess...crash course in Drums 101...Take wheel off....then get a "BFH" aka BIG FREAKING HAMMER...and hammer at the drum...hitting it from the top to the bottom...and if that doesn't free then drum up...there are two little holes drill in the drum...those are not two regular holes...they are threaded for a screw...get a long machine screw...I forgot what size...but go to a hardware store and grab a few sizes you think are closes to it...if you have air tools, use the impact to screw the machine screws in the two holes...and that should pop the drum outward toward you....take the drum off....look for grooves on the drum lining...if there are deep grooves and are not smooth surfaces your drums need to be resurfaced...then you would notice that the shoes are held on by two springs..these are hold down springs...use the tool that bought at the auto parts store...its a screwdriver looking tool with a big circular head....then press it against the spring and twist...and it should release the cap on the hold down spring and then the springs are off...then you use a phillips screw driver to take the other springs off...the one on the adjuster...the long middle thing inbetween the two shoes.....then take the e-brake cable off...and the little spring on the bottom.....remember to set the adjuster wheel all the way in before installing..because thats the only way it would go in....the longer shoe is going to be in the rear side...the shorter shoe in the front......GOOD LUCK....

[Nick]

what he said...

[Nico]

Originally posted by andyman61
i've always been told that, unlike disc pads, drum pads never need to be changed. i don't know why, or if this is even true, but i'm interested to find out too.

You have to change them but not very often, like once or twice on a life's car ...

[Nico]

Perhaps a good thing to do as well since you're changing all your brake pads : change all your brake fluid : once it becomes too old it gets corrosive for your brake lines

[kocho]

Might want to see if you need to change them first. I'm not 100% sure for the Camry, but on my old Stanza, you could do it without taking the drums off. Take off the rear wheels and on the back side (not on the drum, but the backing plate, under the car) there may be a rubber plug. Take that off and peek-in with a flashlight through it - you should be able to see the pads and how much is left... On my 10 year old Stanza at about 80K miles, I did not need to change the pads - had more than half left... But I needed to resurface the drums since they were not braking evenly anymore...

There is a rubber plug on the drum on the camry, but it is for adjustments - don't think you can see the pad thickness from there...

And if you have to take the drum off - be carfull with the hammer or you may damage your hub bearings or the drums. It is better to use the screws and tap with a hammer and a wood block as you gradually screw them-in.

Originally posted by Stealth
I think I'm going to change all my brakes tomorrow. Last June me and a friend did just the front pads (yeah its only been like 7 or 8 months but I drive like a maniac). I have never changed the rear drum brake pads before. We couldn't figure out how to take it apart... but then again we only looked at it for a few minutes. Can anyone tell me step by step or give me a URL that shows me how?

[87Camry5Speed]

While you have it all apart check your wheel cylinders too, they're little barrel-looking things mounted on top of the drum you'll find it between the shoes. Just make sure they haven't rusted through or anything, I wanted to suggest this b/c it happened on my car and when brake fluid leaked out onto the shoes the brakes would stick, locking the tires.
Not good!!!!

Steve

[Redline]

Hey Camdaddy...what gen Cam you got? Those steps are a bit vague, but still informative. Could you maybe give a bit more detail (tools, parts,...maybe cost?) and possibly some pics?

The thing is, my Gen3 Camry has rear disc/drum brakes, but the drums are shot. Started to hear loud thrumming noise and felt vibrations. Took it to Toyota and they told me that the springs were gone so the drum pads were rubbing the drum wall...wouldn't retract fully. I can't use my E-brake anymore b/c it might stick for good and I won't be able to drive the car anymore

oh yah....Toyota said it would cost almost $600 for parts and labour

Thx

Redline

[Stealth]

Well I ended up not changing the rears today. Couldn't even get the big part off to check the pads. My brakes squeak again... but I'm pretty sure it's actually coming from the rear brakes. How do I fix that?

[Nico]

the drums you mean ? Don't forget to release your handbrake first ... If it still doesn't get out try gently with a hammer

[itsmycookie]

Do one at a time, so that you can use the correct one as a sorta picture to help you reinstall the other. It'll suck if you take them both apart and then forget how they go back together

[itsmycookie]

you mean the cover, there should be a large nut and one of those lock pins that you need to take off