Im gonna take on the task of replacing the rear brakes on my 98 F150 (4x4, 4.6L if it matters). Its got the good ol' fashioned drum/shoes combo. Any special tools needed ? Also if anyone has a condensed version of a how-to it would be appreciated.


-Matt

 

i never really used any special tools.. unless u consider a pair of vise grips and pliers special...i remember it taking like an hour or so to figure out one side, then it took like 20 mins for the other side.. lol

disassemble one side at a time so u always have a reference, incase u forget where things go

 

Get the brake spring tool. I know a kid who did a set with pliers and broke a tooth !

 

I would deffently get the speacial tool to do it, it makes it so much easier, but you don't have tohave it.

 

I used to do it with just a couple screwdrivers..........

 

I just use my fingers,- wimps.

 

You da MAN!!

 

ya. spring tool would help alot. i used a pair of pliers and it was a pain. overall not too hard though.

 

Yes sir

Seriously , I use a nut driver, compress/ spin the cap/ pops off. Might be sticky at first, but you can get it that way.

mcolford - If you get lost, I have some good pics and diagrams, - no worry's.

 

Got er done this evening. Spring tool and the other socket looking device and it went ok... other than a cracked knuckle due to slippage, haha. Thanks guys!


-Matt

 

Are there any special tools required in brake drum replacement? I have a leaky rubber seal in my wheel cylinder, so I am going to replace the shoes and wheel cylinder.

Any suggestions? I would appreciate it.

 

Do one side at a time, make sure you get the shoes on right (their are two differnt ones,) and their are tools out their that will make it easier but you don't have to have them pliers and screw dirve work

 

Quick question here, I have never done a drum brake change before but i like to try things myself first.

Im not sure if the rear drum brakes are gone in my truck, sometimes it seems to stop "alright" and then sometimes u press the pedal about halfway in and doesnt do much. then you press it a little more and the truck nose dives and grabs hard.

My first thought was that its relying on front brakes only to stop the truck and it needs new rear shoes or something??

 

My best advice, get a couple good pictures of it cleaned before you dismantle it. It makes assembly alot easier then you arent second guessing you work.

 

Nothing magical about working on drum brakes, they been in use since 19****ity2. Easiest way to check is jack up a rear tire on a stand, get it spinning by hand, and have a helper hit the brakes.

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