[buzbox]

Sorry I didnt take more photo's of this procedure, but I hope I've explained it properly. Again, anyone else is free to correct me, add tips or show us other ways on how to do it.

It is very fiddly and annoying but pretty straight forward. If you have any doubts, leave it to a proffessional.

For this job you will need a good pair of pliers.

Obviously start by chocking the front wheels, jack it up, place it on stands and remove the tyres. You will need to put the handbrake down then remove the 4 bolts that hold the drum on and pull it off.



Check the drum for scoring, cracks or discoloured marks. Now is a good time to have them machined or replaced.



I'll leave this photo enlarged so you can easily see what I am trying to explain..



Start by removing the lower spring, then the large spring up the top and the smaller little spring on the top right.

The two large springs is what pulls the brake towards each other each time you release the brakes.

The smaller spring is what puts tension on the adjuster to help push the brakes out as they wear down.

The thing up the very top is the brake cylinder, It's what the brake fluid go's through to make it expand and apply the brakes. Pretty much same thing as the brake cylinder on disc brakes.

Now that the springs are off, undo the brake lining retaining pins. Those centre bracket things. This is what holds the brakes in place. Use pliers to push, grip the pin and twist. The brake lining and adjuster will now fall out.

You will notice a C clip up the very top right, remove this with your pliers. This is the handbrake bracket. You do not have to remove the handbrake cable (even though it say's to in the workshop manual)

OK your halfway there. Installation is the reverse process. But you will have to a couple of extra steps first.

Get some brake cleaner and clean the entire area and allow to dry.

Push the brake cylinder pistons in as far as it can go.

You will see the contact patch's that the brake lining rubs up against. Put some grease on it to allow smooth operation of the linings.

Grab the brake adjuster, you will see a series of notches, pull and position it inwards. It will re-adjust the position if the brakes when you push the brake pedal.

Now your ready for re-installation.

What I've found easier is:
Start by putting the C clip back on
Put in the retaining brakets / pins in (rather fiddly, but take your time)
Put the lower spring back on
Grab the brake tensioner and put it in position
hook on the large top spring
Then the tensioner spring
Check that the linings are evenly lined up with the brake cylinder, make sure they are centred and the cylinder is still pushed all the way in.
Put the drum back on and tighten.

If you have done it correctly, you will hear a few clicks when you apply pressure to the brakes, and don't forget to pull up your handbrake to make sure that engages.

I hope this has been some help.

[SuziBlu]

Very well written buzzy.

[buzbox]

Oh and just for reference.

There are at least three common types of drum brakes to suit Vitara.

Two part numbers I found listed in brake catalogues is.
4 Door LWB pt#1683
2 Dorr SWB pt#1691

The third is not listed in catalogues and are to suit Large drum brakes, Like in my JLX

Large Drum brake #1735

If you are unsure, remove them, and take them to a brake specialist to have them matched up. But obviously don't drive your car without brakes

[Gonzo]

Icould have used this post 2 weeks ago ! No body could tell me what pads I needed without taking them of ! you have the same brakes as mine . JLX soft top 95

[TheOtherLeft]

There appears to be plenty of meat left on the shoes. Why did you change them?

[atari4x4]

TheOtherLeft wrote:

There appears to be plenty of meat left on the shoes. Why did you change them?

they appear to be brand new

[buzbox]

Yeah they are the new shoes. After I fitted them I realised I should've taken more photo's to do a write up. But really It's that easy, You only need to look at it and follow the directions. The only tools you need is your socket set/wheel brace ( to remove the wheels and drum ) and a good pair of pliers.