Brake Drum Servicing Tips
#1
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
Brake Drum Servicing Tips
Some time this summer I plan to service my rear brakes for the first time in the cars life, surprisingly they still seem to work well, but I have had all the parts, including new OE cast iron drums (ACDELCO Part # 177436), brake adjusting spring kit (ACDELCO Part # 1791232), and a hardware kit (ACDELCO Part # 18K609), and 2 new wheel cylinders (ACDELCO Part # 1721539).
For the brake shoes I went with ACDelco 171-675 Brake Shoes, yeah I like my AC Delco parts.
I also have some Castrol GT LMA Synthetic brake fluid for the flush/bleeding.
I have not purchased any brake tools, I considered trying to use pliers, and a screwdriver, but would it be worth it to get something like this brake drum multi tool kit?
7 Piece Brake Tool Set
I'll try to get some pics whenever I do the job, depends on how dirty my hands get as to whether or not I am willing to handle my camera.
It will be the fist time I have actually did a drum brake job, so I am posting this thread to get any tips, or suggestions for when I tackle the job.
I will get pics before removing anything, just for reference, and I do have the info from my AllData manual on doing the job, I know the manual bleeding sequence is RR-LR-RF-LF, I won't be doing a pressure bleed, so they will be done one at a time in that order.
Like I said, any tips, and or suggestions are appreciated.
For the brake shoes I went with ACDelco 171-675 Brake Shoes, yeah I like my AC Delco parts.
I also have some Castrol GT LMA Synthetic brake fluid for the flush/bleeding.
I have not purchased any brake tools, I considered trying to use pliers, and a screwdriver, but would it be worth it to get something like this brake drum multi tool kit?
7 Piece Brake Tool Set
I'll try to get some pics whenever I do the job, depends on how dirty my hands get as to whether or not I am willing to handle my camera.
It will be the fist time I have actually did a drum brake job, so I am posting this thread to get any tips, or suggestions for when I tackle the job.
I will get pics before removing anything, just for reference, and I do have the info from my AllData manual on doing the job, I know the manual bleeding sequence is RR-LR-RF-LF, I won't be doing a pressure bleed, so they will be done one at a time in that order.
Like I said, any tips, and or suggestions are appreciated.
The following users liked this post:
WilliamE (05-13-2014)
The following users liked this post:
GWA1225 (11-04-2014)
#4
Senior Member
True Car Nut
In my opinion, the 2 biggest PITA'* are getting the new retention spring locked down on the backing plate, and getting the adjuster installed properly. I dont see any tools in this thread so far that I think will help with either. I have gone without before, and don't see any reason to do otherwise.
#5
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
The tool I have says Lisle Single-Spring Brake Tool For GM - 50600
#6
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
In my opinion, the 2 biggest PITA'* are getting the new retention spring locked down on the backing plate, and getting the adjuster installed properly. I dont see any tools in this thread so far that I think will help with either. I have gone without before, and don't see any reason to do otherwise.
What about something like this?
Also, are you saying it will be tough, but I should be able to do it without whatever tool you are talking about?
#7
Retired
Oh man, I hate that horseshoe spring. This is where even I recommend getting that special tool.
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2002 *-10 5.7 V8
2023 Jeep Rubicon Diesel
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV
Retired Administrator
2002 *-10 5.7 V8
2023 Jeep Rubicon Diesel
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV
The following users liked this post:
WilliamE (05-13-2014)
#8
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
Glad I already have it then, I forgot I bought it back when I bought the stuff to do the brakes, it was Winter at the time, so I put it off.
I have the exact tool Gus posted a picture off, had it sitting in the box my drums came in so I forgot about it, lol
I have the exact tool Gus posted a picture off, had it sitting in the box my drums came in so I forgot about it, lol
#9
Senior Member
True Car Nut
my bonnie has 200k on the original rear brake stuff, which is amazing to me because my wife drives it like its a race car. every couple years i have put some never-seize on the adjuster and snugged it up. and i put never seize on the bleeders, had to replace all the lines a few years ago.
The following users liked this post:
WilliamE (05-13-2014)
#10
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
my bonnie has 200k on the original rear brake stuff, which is amazing to me because my wife drives it like its a race car. every couple years i have put some never-seize on the adjuster and snugged it up. and i put never seize on the bleeders, had to replace all the lines a few years ago.
I just hope that while doing the job I won't have to do the brake lines any time soon.
Still unsure when I'll get around to doing this, I guess I could pull the drums and inspect the shoes for any meat left.
I have been waiting to have the money to pick up a new floor jack, my last jack started leaking fluid so I got rid of it, not sure if they are easy to fix when that happens, but it was old, so I just threw it away.
I could use the jack that came with the car, then put it on my jack stands, but I hate using that old jack..