Wednesday, November 24, 2010

How to change rear brake shoes on a 1998 camry?

i was not able to take the rear drum off...is there any trick to it...what are the steps in changing out the shoes?How to change rear brake shoes on a 1998 camry?
Yes there is a trick or several tricks.

First with the em.brake off and the car in Neutral.Take off the tire,using a large hammer smack the drum in between the lug studs several times,this works 99% of the time.Then tap on the back of the drum,be sure not to hit the backing plate and bending it.put both hands on the drum across from each other moving side to side pulling on the drum.It should come off.You must have some brake tools to remove the shoes.You buy these tool at a car parts place where you buy the brake shoes.They can show you what you need.They are not that costly.A repair manual can also be of help and you can buy that there also.Do one side first leave the other side on in case you don't remember how the shoes go on.There is a primary shoe and a secondary shoe just compare them before you remove them.One shoe is longer than the other one.That is another reason not to take both sides off you can always go look at the other side.You should take both rear drums with you and have them turned at the auto parts place.Mark the drums L and R so they go back on the same side they came off of.If you do not have them turned you may experience a pulsation when braking when finished.Check for leaks (fluid)at the brake wheel cylinders,if you have one you must rebuild them or replace them.



I would for sure get a repair book.You can get a Haynes or others that are cheap.How to change rear brake shoes on a 1998 camry?
if you look at the drum, there are two little threaded holes on the face of the drum, get 2 long bolts and screw them in there evenly. Once they touch the bottom, turn them a couple of turns each. This will 'press' the drum off the shoes/hub assembly. I don't know what the thread pitch is on Toyota's, you'll prob. just have to take a look and get a few at the hardware store.



once you get the drum off, take a picture of the brake assembly, digital would be great. this will help you when you reassemble.How to change rear brake shoes on a 1998 camry?
These folks have covered what to do if the drum is frozen on with rust, but there may be another problem. The drums may be worn down so there is a groove the shoes are riding in now. This makes the diameter of the outside of the shoes bigger than the diameter of the drum edge. You can pound all you want, but if this is the case, you won't pass that smaller diameter over a larger one.



There is a slot in the back of the brake housing. It should have a rubber plug on it. Remove it and you will see an adjustment ring with teeth on it.



You will have to turn this ring to bring the shoes closer together. I'm not sure which way to turn the ring, but you'll find out. It should turn easier when you are moving them close together.