i know how to change brake pads but i never seen any brake drums before, can i change drums and turn the rotors at home or should i leave that up to the mechanics?Need a little help?
Buy a chiltons manual for your car, a set of brake spring pliers and a shoe retainer tool. It's a piece of cake. Only do one side at a time so you'll have the otherside to refer too.Need a little help?
if your not sure about brakes you should leave it to a proffesional. if they fail...... your screwed!!Need a little help?
Turning rotors requires a metal lathe. I don't think you have one at home. If you do go for it! With someone to help who has done it, it is easy. Especially on an automatic machine.
Anyway, drum breaks are a nightmare. Springs flying everywhere. It is kind of dangerous work. Not to mention, it is absolutely filthy work. I would swap the front pads and rotors yourself and bring it somewhere to have the drums done.
Also, you need a few special tools to pull, remove and replace the springs in a drum setup.Need a little help?
If you have even minimal mechanical skills you will have no problem. Take one side apart at a time in case you get confused on how the springs go back on, that way you will have a reference. Most auto parts stores sell brake spring tools...get some they shouldn't be over $25 and it will make it a lot easier than trying to use pliers or vice grips.Block the wheels on the opposite end of the car, jack the back (or front) or the car up ,use jack stands, remove the drums and clean everything with a brake cleaner. Do the one side, leave the drum off, do the other side. Take the drums to a shop and get them %26quot;turned%26quot;.You will probably have to adjust the brakes after you put everything back together, the access hole is usually on the back of the shield (you may have to knock out the plug) It also might not be a bad idea to mark the drums..left or right. Get a shop manual for your vehicle..it is probably the most important single investment you can make if you are going to do repairs yourself. I am glad to see that some people still have the skills and desire to do things for themselves. Not only do you save loads of money, you also get the satisfaction of doing something your self and you learn more about your vehicle. Save lots of money,have fun and be careful.....safety first.
