How to Replace Rear Drum Brakes 2007-2012 Nissan Versa
Difficulty: Advanced · About 120 min · Nissan Versa
Replace and adjust rear drum-brake shoes on a 2007–2012 Nissan Versa after confirming the body style and brake parts. Drum brakes contain many springs and retainers; photograph the untouched side and work on one side at a time so you can check the correct assembly order.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- 21mm socket
- Torque wrench
- Brake spring pliers
- Pliers
- Pick
- Flat screwdriver
- Brake cleaner
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Parts and supplies
- Rear brake shoes matched to the Versa body style
- Return springs and hold-down hardware kit
- Brake drums if worn beyond specification
- Brake lubricant for shoe contact points
Steps
Prepare the vehicle and work area
Confirm the rear brake parts for the exact Versa body style and year. Park level, chock the front wheels, release the parking brake, loosen the rear lug nuts, then raise and support the car on jack stands.
Remove the drum
Take off the wheel and pull the drum straight off. If it is trapped by the shoes, use the access opening on the backing plate to retract the adjuster before trying again; do not force the drum over the lining.
Record the shoe arrangement
Before removing springs, take a clear photo of the shoe orientation, adjuster, lever, and spring positions. Keep the opposite brake assembled as a reference and avoid pressing the brake pedal while a drum is removed.
Remove the old shoes and hardware
Release the return springs and hold-down retainers with the correct brake tools, protecting the wheel-cylinder boots from picks and sharp edges. Disconnect the parking-brake cable from its lever and remove the shoe and adjuster assembly.
Clean and inspect the backing plate
Use brake cleaner to control dust and let it drain into a catch pan; do not blow brake dust into the air. Inspect the wheel cylinder, drum, adjuster threads, and springs, and stop to repair any fluid leak or damaged component.
Fit the new shoes
Transfer the adjuster lever only if the replacement kit requires it, then assemble the shoes with the correct springs and retainers. Apply a small amount of brake lubricant to the backing-plate shoe contact pads, keeping it off all friction surfaces.
Install the drum and set shoe clearance
Reconnect the parking-brake cable, position the shoes, and refit the drum. Adjust the star wheel until the drum turns with slight, even drag, then install the wheel and repeat the repair on the other side.
Settle and test the brakes
With both drums installed, press the brake pedal several times to center the shoes, then recheck drum drag and parking-brake operation. Torque the lug nuts to specification and perform a cautious low-speed brake test before normal driving.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.