How easy is it to change the pads on a rear drum brake in a 1995 BMW E36 Compact?

D

DavidW

Member
My passenger side rear drum brake has recently started grinding which I assume is it telling me the pads are worn. I am considering attempting to change the pads myself and wanted to know the complexity of the task, before I continue or pay a mechanic (over the odds) for the work.

I am fairly confident at most smaller DIY jobs.

Thanks
 
B

Brotz

New member
you can get it dont easliy the only hard part will probably be the rust and the rear caliper piston on which you will have to turn counter clockwise and push in at the same time to get the piston to return to allow the calpiter back on to the rotor
 
D

desertcamel

Member
perfectly diy....
but you mention pads and drums,meaning disc and shoes...it may have both depending on the design...best bet is some exploratory examination first[split and look] and go from there....shoe self adjusters can be a pain but that's about it...basic tools only.
 
J

JG

Member
Absolutely simple & straightforward job. Get yourself a Haynes manual - well worth it.
And drums have shoes; discs have pads.
 
M

mycoldfeet

Member
get a haynes or chiltons book at autozone for 13 bucks, drum brakes are not as easy as disk especially adjusting them, the book will show you step by step with pictures, and a lot cheaper than a mechanic.
 
Top