The 1978-1992 Ford Mustang, or Fox body style, was manufactured with rear drum brakes that require routine maintenance. Installing a new drum to the rear brakes will give the mechanic an opportunity to check for other issues, and should take about a half hour to complete.
Raise the Mustang onto the jack stands using the floor jack. The stands should be placed onto the frame rails securely, not on the suspension components.
Remove the wheels by turning the lug nuts counterclockwise, then pulling the wheels free. Set the wheels aside, away from the car.
Remove the drum by turning the keeper bolt in a counterclockwise direction. The keeper bolt is a hex-head bolt on the front of the drum (and a little off-center) that holds the drum in place. Once the bolt is out, pull the drum away from the brake assembly.
Check the brake components for damage or leaking by visually inspecting the wheel cylinders and shoes.
Replace the drum with a new unit by pressing it onto the brake assembly, sliding it over the shoes. Line up the keeper bolt hole with the hole on the brake assembly.
Turn the keeper bolt into the hole clockwise, until it is snug.
Repeat steps 3 through 6 on the opposite side brake.
Replace both wheels by turning their lug nuts clockwise, in an alternating pattern.
Lower the car from the jack stands with the floor jack.
