Brake Shoe Replacement

The real problem I often have with drum brakes is their design complexity, functional inaccuracy, and poor serviceability (is there anything else—). Generally, I've found that the root of the problem is often in the self-adjusting mechanism. In the worst-case designs, they are both inaccurate and complex, making the act of servicing them seem almost pointless! (Stay tuned for future "Pattern Failure" articles on this subject.)

Good Tension
I first became acquainted with self-adjusting rear brakes on the early '80s Honda Civic. Basic hand tools were all that was required to change the shoes; and after properly adjusting pretension on the parking brake cable, all that was required to adjust the shoes was a couple of firm applications of the brake pedal after assembly. I couldn't believe how effectively the brakes actually performed, as well.


Another decade-plus of "rear drum frustration" passed before I was reunited with that much-beloved design—in the mid-'90s Ford Escort. The system consists of two light-tension shoe return springs, one spring-loaded ratcheting adjuster, and two open-ended (why didn't I think of that—) shoe retainer springs.


You are welcome to use special tools to perform shoe service, but I've been able to effectively (and professionally, I might add) perform the task with deft use of a pair of "lineman's" pliers. Usually, attempting such a simple approach on other designs is ineffective and destructive, if not downright hazardous.


Although the parking brake adjustment is a bit harder to access than that of the old Civic, the task is pretty much the same, otherwise. Just remember to follow all safety precautions outlined in the repair manual, and have fun with what I consider to be the most delightful brake shoe replacement procedure extant on a passenger automobile.