I'm going to do the rear drum brakes (pads only) on my 90 camry. I've never done drum brakes. Is it about the same as disc brakes?
Does anyone have any good tips?
Any good how-to websites?

Thanks.

 

make sure you have a large pair of pliars to aide in spring removial.

 

dang this is off topic.. you put it in the perfect place. drums are completely different from disks. you first pull that metal cover off, and then you will be presented with two shoes and two wheel cylinders. if the wheel cylinders are leaking then replace those, if the shoes are just bad then just replace those. its a good idea to have that metal cover taken down to a machine shop and turned before you put it back on though. that will help make sure you dont have any vibrations or squeeks

 

Just some tips. Do one side at a time so you have a diagram if you need it. Make sure you the put the springs in the correct places and screw the brake adjuster all the way in before installing it. I hate drum brakes [:'(]

 

I could not of put it better guys. Disc brakes are so much easier.

The point about one at a time is a very good one indeed. You can always use the other side to see how it all fits together. Some of those springs look like they can fit on either shoe!

The springs that retain the shoes to the backplate can be a pain to fit. Get an old flat ended screwdriver and cut a little slot in the middle of the flat end. You can fit this over the spring and as you push it towards the backplate twist to lock it. Hope it makes some sense.

 

that's a great trick/idea with the screwdriver... I never considered that... I just try to use a fingernail or something and end up screwing things up *L*

 

Thanks all.
I do like that idea of doing one at a time. And the screwdriver. After all, I have about 15 flat screwdrivers. I don't know why that is.

 

Another tip i have is to hold the back of the pin while you take the spring off (and when you put it on). You could also grab the top of the pin with plyers and twist the pin and the spring should pop out. Worked with the Honda springs, but they are different.