How to Change Drum Brakes (In-depth, ultimate guide)

Learn every step of how to change drum brakes. This drum brake replacement is specifically for a Ford Ranger pickup truck, but it applies to most other cars as well. YOU CAN DO THIS. No special tools required and it will save you a lot of money! After watching this video you can replace the drum brakes in your car!

Drum Brake Spring Kit (inexpensive):
Drum Brake Tool (to make the job easier):

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[mmbrains]

So my breaks were acting funny and I went in for an oil change and they said they'd look at my brakes for free. Long story short, they said I desperately needed rear breaks for my 2003 Dodge Dakota. They quoted me at somewhere else and they quoted me $600. I was freaking out so I youtubed "How to change drum brakes" and you made it look so easy so I ended up doing them myself and I did a great job if I do say so myself. You saved me over $500 and having to eat Ramen 3 times a day for a few months and I can't thank you enough! Great job, bro.

[rongamblin]

Chris, I have watched hundreds of your videos and you just keep amazing all of us. You have a strong work ethic and I try to use you as an example of being confident and having a YOU CAN DO THIS attitude. Thank You for all you do.

[FIbane]

This is easily the best automotive how-to video I've ever seen on the internet. Clear and easy to follow, and the fact that you took the time to demonstrate how everything goes together (fx, the retaining pin/spring/hat assembly) is super helpful. I've never done drum brakes before and honestly before watching this video I was intimidated. Now I'm actually looking forward to replacing the shoes and drum on my wife's car. Excellent video!

[glenniz]

You were so young, yet already showing greatness Chris. After just eight years, you have become a "DIY Car Guy" Favorite! Job Well Done Buddy!

[robertclymer]

Hi Chris! Hard to believe this video is almost 9 years old. WOW. Me and many have drawn from your expertise and knowledge with our car and truck projects. Always great info and professional "how to do" that has gotten us through many things. Thanks Chris! Love and blessings from Motown. Keep up the excellent work.

[maikemi]

Superb patience. Steady delivery of detailed information in realtime. I use a lot of video "show to" shows, but I think this fellow is the best.

[headone]

Chris your video's are top class and help us "clueless" mech's more than you may know, my hat off to you and the work/vid's you do, fantastic man keep on, keeping on many thanks.

[terryg]

Chris, what you are calling the parking brake adjuster is actually the regular brake adjuster and comes into play each time you back up and hit the brakes firmly. As the shoes wear down, the action of backing up and firmly applying the brakes makes up for any wear on the shoes to keep the brakes adjusted. This also applies for the older cars that have brake shoes instead of disc brakes in front.

[thesaltycabbage]

Just watched this after seeing your new videos and it is amazing to see how far you have come!

[Teribus]

Hey Chris. From a Scottish mechanic also called Chris, just want to say your videos are really great. Very informative and detailed. They are very beneficial for DIYers.

What amazes me most is that you never swore once while fighting with some of these springs on your drum brakes. I was swearing just watching the video! Wish I had your patience! lol

[tomtheman]

Thank you for this video. Saved me a lot of money, and helped me spend time with my son

[Ramirez]

Hi Chris! Although this video is a year old I'd still like to let you know that this has helped me on me restoration project for my grandpa. Thanks a ton! You're doing great work, keep it up!!

[chrisfix]

Haha, that is good! I am glad my video is on top! That is such an honor for youtube!!! Glad the video helped! Thanks for the comment!

[jimdavenport]

Great video you explained the process flawlessly and you taking the time to show each step was extremely helpful. I wish all DIY videos were done with this much attention to detail.

[stevebray]

I know this may be an old video now but when I was taught to change mine I was told to always check the condition of the rubbers around the brake cylinder and make sure that there was no signs of brake fluid leaking from the seals. I'm not sure if any one else has been taught this was but I thought that I would just share this info. Keep up the great videos Chris you have a real great way of explaining things in a way that so many people can understand

[chrisfix]

Check out my newest drum brake video: How to Change Drum Brakes (In depth, ultimate guide) 2
This one is a different style drum.

[chrisfix]

Thanks a lot! Yea, i really like the picture. Some people say just look at the other drum brake but it is reversed and backwards so it confuses me sometimes. Plus you have to go back and forth which is a pain when you just want to sit in one place to get the job done!

[bitsinmyblood]

Nice. One question: If you've got that new spring kit, why are you reusing springs?

[bradforddrake]

There are 3 places on rotor plate that should be greased with a dab of grease. Also grease on the very top on that metal circle. When I changed my brakes I noticed that the 9 inch rotors have a metal part that pushes into wheel cylinders(no metal plungers that look like clothespins) and also the emergency brake lever has a hook that fits on back of shoe near top(no metal bolt with C clamp). I changed my wheel cylinders also and had success on the rear right brake, but the brake line nut on rear left was rusted shut. I had to cut brake line with hacksaw. Then I made a new brake line, using old line as a template with a tube bender.Then I used one man bleed brakes technique. Now I have firm brake pedal! Thank you Chris for your GREAT videos!

[quaternion-pi]

Your "ultimate guide" ultimately saved me several hundred dollars.  I had just given up trying to do this and had made an appointment with the mechanic ($100/hr labor charge!) until I watched your EXCELLENT video, Turned out perfectly without a hitch.  My only reservation was you didn't use lubricant on the backing plate, but I saw your explanation in another post.    Thanks for sharing this!