is it hard to put brake shoes on the rear axle of a oldsmobile it looks hard ith all those springsw?

Answer 1

Its not hard ........... "IF"........... you have the right tools...

You need a tool to remove / replace the "hold down's" that keep the shoes tight to the backing plate. (It looks kind of like a screw driver but has a round head)

You also need a special set of very large pliers to remove / replace the large springs that connect from each shoe to the top of the backing plate.

Ask your local auto parts store for these and ask them to show you how they work.....

GRAND LUCK.........

EDIT: You should notice that on each wheel.... The back shoe is BIGGER than the front shoe.. You have to replace them exactly the same..

Answer 2

if you are gonna try;and you havent before.you must raise the rear of the car.put jack stands under the axle housing. then take both drums off.thats the big round thing the brake shoes stop to. if you do one side at a time;you can use the other side as a referance.just remember that the parts will be in the same places opposing.a few simple tools you can get at the parts houseyou will probably save yourself allot of money 2-3 hundred bux .knowing how brake people fornicate their customer.after you put all the parts on put the drum on put a lugnut on the drum to hold it back; and adjust the shoes outward to the drum.this will give you a good pedal. warning support the car well. if it falls it probably wont kill you.its possible. more than likely you will just be mamed forever.

Answer 3

do one side at a time think of it as a learning thing. Ipr 6" neddle nose vice grips comes in handy for this job those new vice grips can be used to remove the hold down spring retainer as well as all of the springs. get the drums measured and turned if necessary. I will not put new shoes to worn surfaces. By turning the fresh machined surface helps make the shoes the same shape as the drum. About 6 on the scale 1 to 10.

Answer 4

Drums are definitely harder than discs. Buy a pair of brake spring pliers, to make removal and re-installation easier.

Make sure you take a picture or drawing of where the springs are, so that you don't get them mixed up when you put them back on.

Only do one wheel at a time, so that if you do get mixed up, you can refer to the other side for the correct orrientation of the parts.

Lastly, don't put the drums back on until you've had them "turned." Your local auto parts store should be able to tell you where you can have it done. It usually takes about an hour, and costs about 10 bucks.

Answer 5

Not hard at all. Rear drum brakes are quite simple in operation. Do one side at a time so you can reference the other side if you get confused. NOTE: the shoes are different lengths. You will also need special tools to remove the springs.

Give it a try, but remember - this is what stops your car!

Answer 6

No. Here's a hint. Jack up the car and remove BOTH wheels and drums. (be sure and spray down the brakes with an aerosol brake cleaner before you start to replace anything). Remove the springs and parts from ONE side, use the other as a guide to make sure you reassemble it right. Then move to the other. It sounds simple dumb but it always works.

Answer 7

If your asking this then you must be a little unsure about your mechanical abilities. Are you sure that you want to be working on the brakes of your car? Stick to what you know and leave the other things to others who know. Besides what if the rotors or drums need to be cut or replaced? Now you got the car all apart in your driveway and need a mechanic. Brakes are relatively cheap to get done. Stay safe.

Answer 8

All depends on you. Get the workshop manual and read through the process to see if it's within your capabilities.

And a tip, get all the springs and grommets et cetera before you do it. You might break some in the process and you wont be able to go back to the shop becasue 1. the back wheels are off your olds and 2. it took you 7 hours longer than you thought and it is now midnight on a Saturday and nothing is open.

Answer 9

Its simple,watch how you remove them put them back the same way.just make sure you match up the brake shoes.because thet are different sizes.about 15 20 mins per side.

Answer 10

Only if you don't know what end of a wrench to use