I need to replace the drums on my auto 91 gxe. I've never done brakes before so i'm wondering how hard it is or if i'd be better off to continue to take the car to the shop for the brakes.

I have the chiltons repair manual, and i am comfortable tackling other tasks but i've always been weiry of messing with the brakes, for obvious reasons :-) I have a ton of tools so that shouldn't come into play.

also if it is something i can do, what can i expect to replace as well as the drums, i was planning on replacing the pads/shoes all around at the same time, and i would assume that would be a good idea anyway. But are there other things that would need to be replaced?

 

Once you get the drums off, inspect the cylinders for leaks.

 

I'd only replace the pads on the other wheels if you need it unelss you've got money to burn (it's not much but still).

if you do the other pads, make sure to have your rotors turned - it shoudl only cost $10-$15. brakes ain't too bad, but just do one side at a time so you have a refernece.