How easy it is to change brakes?

neon_newbie · Post by **neon_newbie** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:48 pm

I've read a few how-to's online and it seems easy considering it only requires a few tools and some common sense so honestly, for a person who has never done it and has read online how to do it, will it be easy or should i have someone with knowledge on how to change them have them teach me first or will i be ok with only reading about it online? I hope this doesnt sound like a stupid post but I'm willing to learn and I'd rather have the knowledge to do it myself and save a lil bit of money in the end also. Thanks for any help.

cdewalt1985 · Post by **cdewalt1985** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:50 pm

it really is pretty much common sense. If you have 4 wheel disk brakes you will be fine, If you have rear drums I would definately have someone who knows drum brakes help you and teach you, If you pull them and the springs pop out of the drums you will have no idea.....lol

Mishimoto · Post by **Mishimoto** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 1:29 pm

Take pictures of everything as you take it apart, especially if you have rear drum brakes. Biggest thing I see people forget on their first time is to pump the pedal a few times after everything is done.

nerox · Post by **nerox** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 1:51 pm

and dont forget a clamp of somesort to help push the piston back in

its damn easy!

Mishimoto · Post by **Mishimoto** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 2:59 pm

If your local parts store has a tool rental program, see if they have something like this http://www.autozone.com/autozone/access ... 298604_0_0_ Makes things a lot easier

Post by **occasional demons** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 3:43 pm

Drums aren't that bad, the worst thing is getting the shoe retainers, and springs back on. I have improvised with vice grips for both. Small vice grips work well for the shoe retainer washers. Just don't clamp them tightly, or you may bend them.

A small dab of antiseize where the shoes rub the backing plate will held the shoes slide smoothly, and help prevent from wearing grooves in te plate.

Just take one side apart at a time, so you can see where the parts go, and remember; what faces the front on one side, also faces the front on the other side.

Since it is a neon, the springs are not extremely strong, so they aren't as bad as a larger vehicle to get back in place.

I recommend a drum hardware kit if the parts inside are rusted badly. The kits don't have everything, so take the first side to the parts store and be sure to get what you need before tearing the other side down.

ragek23 · Post by **ragek23** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 4:33 pm

fyi rock auto is having a huge close out on brake pads and rotors for our cars right now. with those prices you could do your front brake pads and rotors for under $50 easy vs. $300+ at a shop.