This will sound moronic to all the muscle car guys; drum brake help.

PittSpeed Automotive
1

My xTerra has rear drum brakes. I know the front disks need new pads and rotors cut, and I have Nissan Tech manual for specs and removal/install of everything. No problems on the fronts as I could do disk brakes in my sleep.
But in my entire life I’ve never seen the inside of a drum brake. My rears are drums.
Any general tips I should know in advance?
Grateful for tips, no matter how stupid it may sound (other than making sure to release e-brake stupid).
Thanks in advance

2

best to do one side at a time. that way if you run into a problem you can reference the other side if you have to. check the wheel cylinders to make sure they are not leaking

3
4

and make sure you dont breath in the dust, dont blow clean with air, use brake cleaner to clean the brake dust since it contains asbestos

5

Duh… I can see me now with the compressor all fired up and air ready to blast.
Thanks for the tips, all.

6

http://www.advanceautoparts.com/english/youcan/asp/ccr/ccr20021101bs.asp#

7

Thanks for the link. I’ve got a Nissan Tech manual that breaks it down real well specific to the application. Was looking for just general tips that I could learn before I find out “the hard way”.

8

although you can use screw drivers, i’d suggest getting the proper tools to install the return springs.

9

very good spend the 10 bucks or so to get the brake spring tools will make the job go safer and faster.

10

i like to put a small dap of brake lube on the backing plates where the shoes contact the plate, helps them from getting rusted over

11

Are they standard “one type works for all”?
The Nissan Tech manual lists a Nissan part number for the spring tools, but I’m hoping any spring tool is the same thing?
TIA

12

at work we only have one and it works on every car we do

13

yea and you die 20 years later lol

14

Just like a puzzle, like jeff said do one side at a time. Buy all new springs and pins, you don’t wanna reuse the old stuff. if it has adjusters just adjust so the shoes just barely brush the drum when you put the drum back on.

15

I end up having to call my dad everytime I do drum brakes, they confuse me. :smiley:

16

very true, it will make the job much easier.

when i changed drum brakes, i just took a picture of them, then when i needed a reference, just look at the cameras screen to see what i needed to do