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OT mechanics: changing rear drum brakes on '97 ford f-350 4x4
Posted on 5/6/14 at 7:37 am
Posted on 5/6/14 at 7:37 am
I have a '97 ford f350 4x4 SRW and need some advice. Rear drum brakes need changing and trying to decide if this is something I should tackle myself or bring to shop to have done and how much that will cost. I did a complete front disc brake job on it myself last fall but have never touched a drum brake in my life. The rears have never been done before and I'm pretty sure all the clips, springs, and whatever else that is replaceable in there is probably going to have to be replaced and looking at all the diagrams this has me nervous. So is this a pretty simple job that looks worse than it is or should I bring it in and have it done professionally the first time? And if so who would you recommend?
This post was edited on 5/6/14 at 8:09 am
Posted on 5/6/14 at 7:39 am to lsu mike
I've done a bunch of discs, but I don't do drums. It's not impossible, just kind of a pain.
Make sure you buy a kit that contains all of the replacement springs.
Make sure you buy a kit that contains all of the replacement springs.
Posted on 5/6/14 at 7:42 am to lsu mike
If you don't drive it every day and can afford to take your time ( several evenings ) it won't be bad. If you've never done it and you try to hurry up and do it in an hour you will end up very pissed off.
It's not THAT bad, but be ready for stuff to not want to come off.
It's not THAT bad, but be ready for stuff to not want to come off.
Posted on 5/6/14 at 7:44 am to lsu mike
Disc brake is easier obviously but drum brake isn't that bad. Watch some youtube videos first.
You don't really need all those "drum brake change tool kit", a needle nose plier works better actually.
You don't really need all those "drum brake change tool kit", a needle nose plier works better actually.
Posted on 5/6/14 at 8:20 am to lsu mike
It isn't as bad as it seems. Just buy the spring kits along with the drum shoes and rent the proper tools (or buy them, they are cheap). Snap a few photos with your cell phone before you start and don't skimp on the brake cleaner. Don't try getting by with just pliers and a screwdriver, you will lose something and the right tools make it much easier doing this the first time.
Posted on 5/6/14 at 8:28 am to lsu mike
Buy the Chilton Manuel
Buy the Drum Brake Tool
With any mechanical ability and these, job is not bad at all, first side will take a little time, and you will breeze through the second.
Buy the Drum Brake Tool
With any mechanical ability and these, job is not bad at all, first side will take a little time, and you will breeze through the second.
Posted on 5/6/14 at 8:34 am to coonarse
Those manuals are worthless. Too generic. Find better guides on YouTube.
Posted on 5/6/14 at 9:17 am to coonarse
Thanks guys. Does brand matter or just go to bumper to bumper or oreillys and get whatever they have?
Posted on 5/6/14 at 10:25 am to Clames
quote:My memory sucks, so I always take pictures when I take something apart for the first time now. If I don't, I could be stuck spending an hour either researching or trying to figure out how it goes back together.
Snap a few photos with your cell phone before you start and don't skimp on the brake cleaner
Brake parts cleaner is a good idea. Soak it all, and come back a minute later and spray it again closely to get the crud off. The brands are honestly all the same because you don't use much of the rear brakes anyway. Hell, my factory 250 discs have 155k on them and are about half done. The fronts lasted 115k
Watch YouTube videos to get the process down. They're all the same. I'd get a Chiltons or Haynes manual IMHO. They are actually specific to your truck, going over almost step by step how to do things. They are only like $15 and are a good teaching tool
This post was edited on 5/6/14 at 10:27 am
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