1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Monroe BX658 Bonded Brake Shoes. The Monroe BX658 brake shoes are designed to meet or exceed original equipment (OE) specifications, offering premium performance for your vehicle's braking system.
Key features include:
- Premium Blended Semi-Metallic friction formula for consistent stopping power.
- 100 percent New Carbon Steel Backing Plates for durability and strength.
- Comes complete with Pins and Levers as needed for a comprehensive replacement.
- Bonded or Riveted construction to match specific vehicle stopping requirements.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Improper installation or maintenance of brake components can lead to serious injury or death. If you are not experienced with automotive brake systems, it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance for installation.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and gloves, when working on brake systems.
- Ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands on a level surface before beginning any work. Never rely solely on a jack.
- Brake dust may contain asbestos or other hazardous materials. Avoid inhaling brake dust. Use an approved brake cleaner and proper disposal methods.
- Do not use petroleum-based products on rubber brake components.
- Ensure all brake fluid is handled carefully and disposed of properly. Brake fluid is corrosive to paint.
- After installation, pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake shoe adjustment and firm pedal feel before driving.
- Test brakes at low speed in a safe area before normal operation.
3. Setup and Installation
The Monroe BX658 Bonded Brake Shoes are designed for specific vehicle applications. It is crucial to verify that these brake shoes are the correct fit for your vehicle's make, model, and year before beginning installation. Refer to your vehicle's service manual for detailed, vehicle-specific brake shoe replacement procedures.
3.1 Pre-Installation Check
- Confirm the Monroe BX658 brake shoes match the old brake shoes in size and configuration.
- Inspect all components for shipping damage. Do not install damaged parts.
- Gather all necessary tools, including jack, jack stands, lug wrench, brake spring tools, drum puller (if needed), brake cleaner, and a torque wrench.
3.2 General Installation Steps (Consult Vehicle Manual for Specifics)
- Prepare Vehicle: Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and block the wheels. Loosen lug nuts, then raise the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Remove the wheel.
- Remove Brake Drum: Carefully remove the brake drum. If stuck, use a rubber mallet or a drum puller.
- Inspect Components: Inspect the brake drum for wear, scoring, or cracks. Inspect wheel cylinders for leaks. Replace any worn or damaged components.
- Remove Old Brake Shoes: Take a photograph or make a diagram of the existing brake shoe assembly to aid in reassembly. Using appropriate brake spring tools, carefully remove the return springs, hold-down springs, and then the old brake shoes.
- Clean and Lubricate: Clean the backing plate thoroughly with brake cleaner. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake lubricant to the contact points on the backing plate where the brake shoes slide.
- Install New Brake Shoes: Assemble the new Monroe BX658 brake shoes with the provided pins and levers (if applicable) and springs according to your diagram or vehicle service manual. Ensure the shoes are correctly oriented.
- Adjust Brake Shoes: Adjust the star wheel adjuster to ensure the brake shoes are just touching the drum. The drum should slide on with slight resistance.
- Reassemble: Reinstall the brake drum, wheel, and tighten lug nuts to manufacturer specifications. Lower the vehicle.
Figure 1: An example of the Monroe BX658 Bonded Brake Shoe. This image shows the brake shoe with its friction material and carbon steel backing plate, ready for installation.
4. Operating (Bedding-In Procedure)
After installing new brake shoes, a "bedding-in" period is necessary to optimize performance and ensure proper seating of the friction material to the brake drum. This process helps to prevent premature wear and noise.
- Drive the vehicle at a moderate speed (e.g., 30-40 mph or 50-65 km/h).
- Apply the brakes moderately (not aggressively) to slow down to about 10 mph (15 km/h). Do not come to a complete stop.
- Repeat this process approximately 10-15 times, allowing a few minutes between each application for the brakes to cool slightly.
- Avoid hard braking or prolonged braking during the first 200 miles (320 km) after installation.
During the bedding-in process, you may notice a slight odor or reduced braking effectiveness. This is normal. Braking performance will improve as the shoes seat properly.
5. Maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance of your vehicle's braking system are crucial for safety and longevity. While Monroe BX658 brake shoes are designed for durability, other components of the drum brake system also require attention.
- Regular Inspections: Have your brake system inspected by a qualified technician at least once a year or every 12,000 miles (20,000 km), or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
- Check Brake Fluid: Regularly check your brake fluid level and condition. Replace brake fluid according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
- Drum Inspection: During brake service, inspect brake drums for excessive wear, scoring, or out-of-round conditions. Drums may need to be machined or replaced.
- Wheel Cylinders: Check wheel cylinders for leaks or corrosion. Replace if any issues are found.
- Parking Brake: Ensure the parking brake mechanism is functioning correctly and adjusted properly.
6. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your braking system after installing Monroe BX658 brake shoes, consider the following common problems and potential solutions:
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Squealing or Grinding Noise | Improper bedding-in, worn drums, contaminated friction material, loose components. | Re-perform bedding-in. Inspect drums for wear. Clean or replace contaminated shoes. Check all components for proper installation and tightness. |
| Poor Braking Performance | Improper adjustment, air in brake lines, worn drums, incorrect shoe application. | Adjust brake shoes. Bleed brake system. Inspect and replace worn drums. Verify correct shoe installation. |
| Brake Pedal Too Low/Spongy | Air in brake lines, improper shoe adjustment, leaking wheel cylinder. | Bleed brake system. Adjust brake shoes. Inspect and replace leaking wheel cylinders. |
| Brakes Dragging/Overheating | Over-adjusted shoes, seized wheel cylinder, parking brake issues. | Adjust brake shoes. Inspect and replace seized wheel cylinders. Check parking brake cable and mechanism. |
If troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, consult a certified automotive technician.
7. Specifications
- Model Number: BX658
- Brand: Monroe
- Manufacturer: Monroe Brakes
- Product Dimensions: 27.94 x 16.51 x 10.67 cm
- Item Weight: 1.72 kg
- Friction Material: Premium Blended Semi-Metallic
- Backing Plate Material: Carbon Steel
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information regarding your Monroe BX658 Bonded Brake Shoes, please refer to the official Monroe Brakes website or contact Monroe customer support directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
For technical support or further assistance, please visit the Monroe Brakes official website or contact their customer service department.
