rear brakes going out

[slideways_ninja]

so i searched and found nothing so dont flame me

the rear brakes on my 1990 hb are goin out and i have no clue on how to fix em. are there any good how tos on this site or a .pdf of an FSM for it

[seang]

Well, they are basic drum brakes. The components consist of the drums, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, return springs, and adjusters. The brake line across the rear axle should be inspected, as should the lines running the length of the vehicle, they do rust out eventually. If the drums are still in spec, you can possibly have them turned. The wheel cylinders should not be leaking fluid, if they are, get new ones or rebuild the existing ones which requires a few special tools. You might have some trouble getting the drums off if they haven't been off in a while. A while being the past year or two. New brake shoes of course. Or maybe convert them to disc brakes from a pathfinder, a job which I have no knowledge of other than the fact that it seems to be pretty cool. Cheers

[RT22]

It is not that hard with basic hand tools, putting springs on is the only tough part. Pop off the wheel and the drum has 2 screw holes find 2 bolts to fit them and tighten them to pop drums off. LOOK at the brake shoes and the 2 main springs top and bottom. there are 2 retaining dish clips that hold it all in. If you have digital camera take some snap shots for reference or jack up entire truck and remove both back wheels and drums and do one while using other as reference. The retaining rings just twist and the little plates have slots for pins to come out. Then pop the springs they are stiff. Remove shoes reinstall new ones. The emergency brake adjusters have to be run all the way down, they are little gear with threads. This allows for shoes to move closer to drum as they wear. NEW shoes will not fit in drum unless you thread it all the way back. Install shoes and springs. This is tricky part go to auto zone and get brake spring tool to make it easier. POP on shoes springs then retainer clips. LOOK at pics or use other side to be sure all is back in order. reinstall drum(can be tight) and put on wheel. WHILE still jacked up roll tire make sure it is free. NOW the emergency brake adjuster has a hole in back top off wheel housing plate. Use a flat blade driver to click the thing until the tire feels some resistance while trying to spin it. This puts pads right back up to drum. BE SURE it still spins but a little drag is proper. This will make sure pedal does not go way down before engaging the brakes. GO to courtesy nissan parts online, use google. Go to parts for d21 and find brake parts, will have exploded view so you can see what you are getting into. If you need more help or advice email me at [email protected] and I can give you my cell and we can talk and see if you feel comfortable doing this on your own.