How to Change Auto Rear Brakes

Replacement of the rear brakes in your vehicle can be performed in your driveway or garage. There are two types of rear brake systems. Most vehicles are equipped with the drum-brakes system on the rear wheels. The rear brakes can be less effective because the front brakes handle most of the stopping power of a vehicle; thus, the front brakes use the more-effective disc-brake systems. Late-model and pricier vehicles may be equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.

Instructions

Loosen all the lug nuts a half-turn. Don't remove any lug nuts before jacking up the rear of the vehicle.

Place a jack under the rear center frame while the vehicle is parked on a solid, level surface and jack it up. Place two jack stands, one near each wheel under the frame to support the vehicle.

Remove all the lug nuts and both rear wheels. Pull the brake drums off the axle. This may require that the brake shoe star adjuster be backed down or loosened. This is done by inserting a brake-adjusting spoon or large, flat screwdriver into the elongated slot at the bottom of the brake backing plate. Pry the star wheel up or down to loosen the adjuster.

Snap and print photos of the brake assemblies on both wheels before disassembling them. Label the photos left and right side.

Pry and unhook the adjuster spring, which is on the bottom of the brake shoes. Use the brake tool to remove both shoe-return springs from the top pin; one hooks directly to the top brake pin and one hooks to a linkage rod.

Remove the washer; hold down the spring cap with the brake tool or pliers by pushing the washer cap in while holding the nail pin on the back and rotating the washer 90 degrees.

Remove the emergency brake lever arm by pulling it away from the shoe or removing the snap-ring retainer, if so equipped.

Replace the shoes with the new shoes and reinstall by reversing the steps.

Loosen but don't remove the cap over the master cylinder.

Saddle a C-clamp over the caliper and tighten the clamp to push the caliper piston back into the caliper.

Remove the two bolts that hold the caliper to the spindle. Chevrolet utilizes a hex socket pin bolt.

Lift the caliper off the spindle. Tap the caliper with a hammer to loosen it before lifting it, if necessary. Remove the brake pads from the caliper and replace them with the new pads.

Reinstall the calipers back onto the spindle and tighten the attachment bolts.

Reinstall the rear wheels. Jack up the vehicle and remove the jack stands from under the automobile. Top off the brake fluid in the master cylinder.