How long does it take to replace rear drum brakes?
In most cases, a rear drum brake service takes about 1 to 3 hours per axle at a shop, and longer if you’re doing it yourself or if additional work is required. The exact duration depends on scope and conditions.
Rear drum brakes involve replacing shoes and hardware, and sometimes wheel cylinders, drums, and parking brake components. Factors like vehicle design, drum condition, and technician experience influence the total time. The following sections break down typical timelines, what can extend or shorten the process, and practical expectations for DIYers and professionals.
Factors that affect replacement time
Consider these elements to gauge how long your rear drum brake service will take:
- Scope of work: shoes and hardware only vs. replacing wheel cylinders or the entire drum assembly.
- Drum condition: drums that are seized or require resurfacing add time.
- Parking brake components: integrated or independent parking brake linkages can complicate adjustments.
- Vehicle make and brake design: some vehicles have more complex drum assemblies or require additional steps.
- Access and tools: dedicated shop equipment, air tools, and proper jigs accelerate or slow down the job.
- Experience: seasoned technicians work faster, especially when removing corroded parts or aligning drums.
Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations for service duration and cost.
Typical time ranges by scope
Below are typical time ranges you can expect for rear drum brake work, depending on the scope and conditions. These are rough estimates for a standard passenger car with reasonably accessible drums.
- Shoes and hardware replacement only (no wheel cylinders): about 1 to 2 hours per axle at a shop; roughly 2 to 4 hours for first-time DIY
- Shoes plus wheel cylinders or wheel cylinder replacement: about 1.5 to 3 hours per axle at a shop; about 3 to 6 hours DIY
- Drums resurfaced or replaced, plus shoes and possibly wheel cylinders: about 2 to 3 hours per axle at a shop; 4 to 8 hours DIY
- Complex cases (drums stuck, parking brake linkage service, or seized components): up to 4 to 6 hours per axle at a shop; 6 to 10 hours DIY
Note: these ranges can vary by make/model, whether the drums are integral with the parking brake, and the availability of parts and tools.
What to expect during service
During service, a technician will lift the vehicle, remove the wheels, and take off the drums to inspect the internal components. They replace shoes, hardware, and possibly wheel cylinders, then reassemble, adjust the brake shoes, and bed them in. If drums are resurfaced, they are machined to remove grooves and glazing. Finally, the system is bled if hydraulic components were replaced, and the parking brake is adjusted.
DIY considerations and safety
If you're doing the job yourself, ensure you have the proper tools, a reliable jack and stands, wheel chocks, a brake spring tool, and a brake bleeder kit if needed. Work carefully to avoid contamination of friction surfaces and follow the vehicle's service manual for torque specs and adjustment procedures. Brake work carries safety risks, so if you're unsure, consult a professional.
Summary
Rear drum brake replacement times vary widely based on scope, condition, and experience. Typical shop timelines range from about 1 to 3 hours per axle for shoes-only work, increasing when wheel cylinders, drums, or complex parking brake components are involved. Expect DIY durations to be longer. Planning for 2 to 6 hours per axle is reasonable for a DIY job in a typical single-car garage, while professional shops may complete the job faster thanks to specialized tools and experience.
Key takeaways: duration depends on scope, drum condition, and technician experience. Always inspect drums and hardware, and obtain a precise estimate from the shop for your specific vehicle.
How much does labor cost to replace rear drum brakes?
The average cost for a Brake Drum Replacement is between $313 and $368. Labor costs are estimated between $83 and $122 while parts are priced between $230 and $246. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.
What is the 30/30/30 rule for brakes?
The 30/30/30 rule for brakes is a method for properly "bedding-in" new brake pads and rotors, which involves making 30 gradual stops from 30 mph, with a 30-second cooling period between each stop. This process helps create an even transfer layer of brake pad material onto the rotor surface, ensuring optimal performance and preventing issues like brake fade and glazed pads.
How to perform the 30/30/30 rule
- Find a safe area: Locate an open, lightly trafficked road or a large, empty parking lot.
- Warm up the brakes: Drive for a few minutes to bring the brakes up to a normal operating temperature.
- Start the procedure: Accelerate smoothly to about 30 mph.
- Make the first stop: Apply moderate, firm pressure to slow the vehicle down to about 5-10 mph, but do not come to a complete stop. Avoid hard or emergency stops.
- Cool down: Release the brake and allow the brakes to cool for 30 seconds.
- Repeat: Repeat the process of stopping and cooling for a total of 30 times.
- Complete the break-in: After the 30 stops, drive for about 300 to 500 miles while avoiding hard or aggressive braking to allow the new components to fully settle in.
Are rear drum brakes hard to change?
This article has been viewed 535,836 times. Replacing drum brakes isn't difficult but it requires special tools and a little caution. In return, you save on hefty auto mechanics bills. This article will describe the general process, but you will still want to consult the manual for your car's particular make and model.
How long does it take to replace a brake drum?
Replacing drum brakes on a single axle typically takes 2 to 3 hours for an average car, but can be shorter or longer depending on factors like the mechanic's experience, tools available, and if other components need replacing. A professional mechanic may estimate 1.5 to 2 hours per axle for a standard job.
Factors that influence the time:
- Experience: A skilled DIY mechanic or professional may complete the job in as little as one hour for a simple rear drum replacement, while an inexperienced person could take all day.
- Tools: Having the right tools, like drum brake pliers and a lift, can significantly speed up the process.
- Vehicle complexity: Some vehicles, especially heavy-duty trucks, may require more time due to the size and complexity of the braking system.
- Additional repairs: If the wheel cylinder, springs, or other related components need to be replaced at the same time, the job will take longer.
- Problematic drums: If the drums are rusted, seized, or damaged, extra time will be needed to remove them and address the issue.
