Q: What are the important considerations when replacing drum brake shoes on Ford Escape?
A: Always replace drum brake shoes on both wheels at the same time for proper functioning. Avoid inhaling brake dust and use a filtering mask for safety. Never use petroleum-based solvents for cleaning brake parts, use brake system cleaner instead. It's advisable to replace return and hold-down springs when changing brake shoes due to tension loss from heating and cooling cycles. To replace brake shoes, loosen wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, release the parking brake, remove the wheel and brake drum. Clean the brake shoe assembly before starting. The replacement process varies by vehicle model year. After replacement, check the drum for cracks or scratches and resurface if needed. Reinstall the brake drum, mount the wheel, tighten lug nuts, and test the brakes before driving.