Drum brakes-which spring release tool?

Just hit 57,000 miles, need to replace front pads soon. Figured it wouldnt hurt to take a look at the rear drum brakes while I'm at it.

From the research I've done, no real "specialty brake tools" are required for shoe replacement, although I'm sure I'll need a spring release tool.

Will any universal spring release tool work, if not can someone recommend one that does?

Also, is there any other brake tools required, or that will make the process easier? Have no problem spending money on tools...especially if it makes the job go easier/quicker.

 

fail

 

Thanks for the help! I hadnt researched the pliers...but will now.

 

Those pliars are the ones you want for rear brakes. But I woudl check the brakes first - my last tacoms had almost 200000 miles on it before it needed rear brakes

 

x2. I'll be shocked if you need rears before 100K. I'm at 108K, but checked them around 90K and they had a lot left.

 

They might have a lot of life left but check to make sure they're not glazed. Glazed pads/rotors don't stop very well. Mine had lots of life left but they were slightly glazed and I'm happy I replaced them. The truck stops much better now.
You shouldn't need much more than some pliers to do the rear.

 

I highly doubt you need new rear brakes. When I sold my accord with 210k miles the shoes still had about 1/2 life left in them. I never changed the rears on that car when I had it. I bought it with 110k miles.

 

brakes may still be good

but still good to get in there and look around

plus get some brake cleaner and get out all the gunk

while you have it opened.

your brakes will thank you for it - haha

 

How do you inspect the rear shoes? Do you pull the drums to check? Also, how do you adjust the rear brakes without pulling off the drums?

 

not sure what size bolts, have had these for years
insert bolts, alternate tightening the bolts, this will slide drum off brakes.

 

Yes, you have to pull off the drums. Under normal circumstances, you shouldn't need to adjust them since they self adjust when you use the emergency brake.

If for some reason you have to manually adjust them (like you've replaced the shoes), then there's a plug in the back at the 12-o-clock position that can be removed. Behind it you'll find a dial whereby you insert a flat head screwdriver and turn it (can't remember for sure, but I think turning it downward tightens them...there's a metal lever on it that you actually have to hold aside if you want to go the other way). The remaining adjustments are done via the emergency brake. This link has a good picture of the dial:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-types/drum-brake2.htm

Good pics. A little bit of warning though to anyone checking them when getting close to or passing 100K miles. The shoes wear a channel in the drums leaving a lip that's taller on the outer edge of the drum (edge that sits toward the middle of the truck). Because the shoes are sitting in this channel created by normal wear, you may find it almost impossible to remove the drum even using the two bolts method (I sure did at 90K). The lip of the drum will not pass over the shoe. So it may be necessary to remove the plug in the back and back off the shoes first...and that's NOT an easy task because you have to hold the level on the automatic adjuster while turning it!!!

 

TRUE DAT

Thats why its good to inspect at least yearly.

plus after a few times you become a pro

 

Thanx 05Moose, great info!

 

I believe I read somewhere that the bolt size is 8X1.5mm...although I obviously havent personally tried this yet.

I doubt I'll be needing new shoes at 60k, but wanted to be prepared with any tools required incase I pulled the drums to inspect and clean and discovered an issue. I'm just now...at 60k, almost ready for front pads...and most vehicles do 60 to 80% stopping with the fronts...so I'm expecting to just be performing a good cleaning with my compressor and air-gun...maybe some sand paper on the shoes and brake cleaner worse case...

I do have one concern...as I didnt realize the the self-adjuster operated from the parking brake...I NEVER use my parking brake...and in fact...until I finish my custom kick-panels and swap out the Q-logic kick-panels still installed CANT use my parking brake... hmmm.... Well...guess I'll see whats there when i tear into it...maybe do a manual adjustment if needed.

 

The right size for the bolt is M8x1,25.

 

more pics with it offf

 

up

 

I just picked up new pads, and was gonna inspect the shoes in the back.

been a long long long time since ive changed rear drums..

all tips are helpful...

 

My '06 and I'm guessing your '08 have well under 100k...so the likely hood of needing much more than a cleaning with an air-gun/compressor are very slim.

I've decided to throw some G-2 black brake paint on mine while their off...give them a cleaning, and adjustment.

I found several threads here while searching that will pretty much walk me through the process...just wanted to make sure I had the right spring release tool etc. as there are different sizes/styles...just in case I have to actually remove the shoes...which is very unlikely at 57k.

Will be making a trip to Sears to pick up some other things...and will browse their brake tool selection while I'm there.

Thanks again for everyones help.