Rear Brake Drum: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda 626. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Whenever a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or foreign material present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or brake disc that contacts the wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion, causing loss of control. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Apply lithium base grease to wheel cylinder and anchor sliding parts, adjuster threads and shoe contact points on backing plate. As noted in illustration, see Figure .
Depress the brake pedal several times. Then verify that the brakes do not drag. Inspect for the pedal-to-floor clearance. See BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT & STOPLIGHT SWITCH under ADJUSTMENTS. Inspect for the parking brake lever stroke. See PARKING BRAKE under ADJUSTMENTS.
Tighten all fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Bleed air from system. See BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM .
NOTE: Ensure that the drums/shoes are adjusted properly. See REAR BRAKE SHOES under ADJUSTMENTS.

NOTE: Rear brake lining inspection. Remove the brake drum. Inspect the remaining thickness of the lining. Replace both left and right brake shoes if either is at or less than the minimum thickness. See DRUM BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS .

NOTE: Rear brake drum inspection. Measure the inner diameter of the drum. Inspect for scratches and uneven or abnormal wear inside the drum. Repair or replace the drum as necessary. When repairing or replacing the drum, inspect the contact with the shoes. Machine or replace as necessary if not as specified. See DRUM BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS .