How do you remove the rear drum brakes on a 1998 Ford F-150?

Answer 1

How Do I Replacing My Rear Brake Shoes and Drums? http://www.2carpros.com/how_to/rear_brake_shoes.htmWARNING! Always have the vehicle under inspection on level ground, in park with the emergency brake on. Always wear protective eyewear, gloves and necessary clothing before inspection or work begins. Never crank an engine over when anyone is near the battery or engine. Always have an operational fire extinguisher close by, obey all first aid instructions in the event of an injury. Never stand in front or behind a vehicle when cranked over or running. When engine is cranked over keep hands and clothing away from rotating components. Never move a car without proper brake pedal operation. About half of all car manufacturers still use drum style rear brakes. Drum brakes are not as efficient as disc brake systems but, drum brakes

are easily produced and can be used on the rear of a vehicle since only about 30% of the braking is performed by the rear brakes. Rear brake shoes are more difficult to service when worn and may require special tools to service. Rear brake shoes performance is more effected by water and rain; the braking ability is greatly compromised. Full braking ability will not return until fully dry. READ COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING! Step 1 - Identify rear brake shoes and wheel cylinder components. Remove brake drum

to inspect brake shoes for wear. If the brake material is less than 1/8 inch, they need to be replaced in most cases. Check the wheel cylinder for leaks. Remove the dust boot from the side of the wheel cylinder and check for brake fluid leaks. If brake fluid is present the wheel cylinder needs replacing. Also check brake shoe hardware, return and mounting springs, and replace if damaged or broken. Step 2 - Removing the brake shoes and wheel cylinder. Use the brake spring tool to remove the return spring to each of the brake shoes. Step 3 - Removing brake shoe mounting springs. Hold the rear of the retainer pin. Insert brake shoe removal tool over retainer clip, press down and twist counter clockwise. Remove spring and retainer. Inspect and replace as needed. Then remove the rear brake shoes and remaining hardware. Match the old brake shoes to the new brake shoes. Both sets should match up exactly. Then transfer hardware to new brake shoes. Step 4 - Removing Wheel Cylinder After the rear brake shoe and hardware pieces have been removed, install line wrench onto brake line at the wheel cylinder and loosen the mounting fitting, then remove it. Note: brake fluid will leak from line when loosened. Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts and replace wheel cylinder with new unit. Re-attach and tighten brake lines and retighten wheel cylinder mounting bolts. Then clean and service the brake shoe backing plate. Step 5 - Reassemble With New Brake Parts Reassemble with new brake parts and make sure all the brake hardware is mounted correctly. Note: when changing rear brake shoes, only disassemble one side at a time so you always have a reference copy on the side that is still together. Step 6 - Adjusting Brake Shoes After brake shoes have been installed they need to be adjusted. Normally they are self adjusting but the first time after installation, a primary adjustment must be made. After installing the brake drum

and spinning it on the bearing hub, adjust the brake shoes to lightly contact the brake drum and recheck regularly. After the brake shoes are adjusted, bleed the brake system until free from air and leaks. Test brake system before driving. CAUTION: DO NOT DRIVE OR MOVE VEHICLE UNTIL NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION IS PRESENT! Common Problems: * Brake shoes wear out and grind to metal due to lack of maintenance. * Low brake pedal due to improper adjustment. * Looses partial braking ability when wet.