Brake job?

[FairfieldDave]

Hey group, my back drum brakes are starting to grind a little (time to replace pads?) just trying to understand how big of a job it is to complete in my garage. Is it worth just having it done somewhere else? Also don't know what it's will cost?
Dave

[finefettle]

Do you do any mechanical work yourself? Brakes are easy. Done them in all sorts of places,mostly out in the driveway so a garage would be a step up. Grinding is never a good sound and you may need your drums turned as well as pads.

[joeyk803c]

Drum brakes aren't hard to do, they just take time. Search youtube, and watch a couple videos. I did them on my bug and so far so good (bug is rolling now, but stops when brakes are applied). Cost for you to do it, should be $40 for new shoes, a hardware kit and some brake cleaner. A shop will cost anywhere from $80+

The knowledge that you'll learn from doing your own brakes though is not something you can put a price on.

[LeninCas]

If you decide to do it yourself, send me a PM and I will make a video and post it on Youtube for you.

It's really not hard at all, you will need a flathead screwdriver, a vice grip, 36mm socket, and a torque wrench. A hammer will be nice to take out a little horse shoe for your e-brake.


I think that's all you need. The only things you probably don't have are the socket and torque wrench which you can rent at AutoZone for free.
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I would think someone should mention the 300 ftlb axle nut standing between him and his break pads. Once that is off the rest is easy.

I doubt you have a torquemaster or a impact wrench. They are the right tools for the job. I just use a 3 foot breaker bar and a foot high stack of wood blocks. I put the wrench on the lug nut, and the other end on the blocks. I then drive the car, either forward or reverse thus spinning the axel. Wrench not spinning + axel spinning = loose nuts.

[finefettle]

I use one of these and a big hammer for the big nut.
http://www.sandparts.com/servlet/the-58985/Axle-Nut-Removal-Tool,/Detail
Although ptjjb's method is genius and I might try that just for kicks sometime.

[Hyperspace]

Don't need it... at least to get it off, big socket and a 3 foot piece of exhaust pipe to use for leverage.
_________________
If you can't fix it with a hammer, it is an electrical fault.

Photo's http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Hyperspace&show_results=summary

[DeathTrap]

If you are going to change the pads on drum brakes you are misinformed and best off letting someone else do it.

[finefettle]

Pads,shoes, whatever. Get over yourself. He is asking if he can do the job. He can if he is so inclined. It's not rocket science, no matter what you call it.

[Hyperspace]

Once you get the drum off, take a photo... do what needs doing... plenty of vids on tube. Reinstall, then compare with your photo.
_________________
If you can't fix it with a hammer, it is an electrical fault.

Photo's http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Hyperspace&show_results=summary

[DeathTrap]

[68IHscout]

If you decide to do it , do one side first leave the other one open for reference , once youre done with one side do the other ...

[gargamel]

Just take pics with your phone, if you need a reference point. I did. One of those torquemeister tools (be it pricey) makes this job a breeze. I tried a breaker bar with a long pipe and got no where. Frustrated and tired of looking like fool balancing on the pipe to my neighbors, I ordered one and amazed how it loosened up in mere seconds.

Yes, there are a bunch of good videos to give you an idea. I had ZERO experience in this department (cars in general to be honest) and I have it down to doing the entire brake system. Just do your reading and watching.

Save and learn, at the same time. The alternative is to take it to a mechanic and you know how that will go. They will see you coming a mile away. No pun intended.

[vernonc]

[DeathTrap]

put a favorite on this post mort


I am so old I did 4-5 vw brake jobs a day


I could sell the s::: out of them when all they needed is an adjustment

heck if I did the brakejob and they had half a brain they'd come back often for another adjustment

those that didn't got a new brakejob somewhere else

talked crap because I insisted on keeping them safe

or maybe they'd take it on and before ya know it they have the master out


in all the brake jobs I can't remember one master cylinder replacement


there's those tyhat do
those that have
and those that talk

[finefettle]

Your right. It's Socket science. You win
Good luck with your brakes.

[joeyk803c]

[Tim Donahoe]

Funny how talking someone into buying something that will cost them money--something they don't even need, can be thought of as "selling".

A while back, I took my Del Sol in to get the wheels aligned, and they gave me an unasked-for estimate on a set of McPherson struts that they said I needed. $662.33, they wanted.

I took the car down to a wheel shop that usually does my bug alignment and the owner there says my Del Sol's struts are fine.

So, did Les Schwab try to "sell" me a set of struts, installed? Or did they just try to steal my money?

It's all a matter of opinion, I guess. But my opinion compelled me to turn them in to the California Bureau of Automotive Affairs today.

"Sold" 'em down the river, I did.

As far as this newbie's brake job, I'd say go for it. But first, watch a few You Tube videos on how to do it. A number of specialized tools are required, and also a feel for brake adjustment. Get a Hayne's or Bently manual, too.

Tim

[Busdriver79]

You are NOT supposed to wait until it starts making expen$ive noi$e$ before doing a brake job.

[joeyk803c]