Wagner Z960
Wagner Z960 Drum Brake Shoe
Instruction Manual
Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper understanding, installation, and maintenance of your Wagner Z960 Drum Brake Shoes. Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting any installation or service to ensure safe and effective operation. These brake shoes are designed to provide optimal braking performance and maximize friction-to-drum contact.
Safety Information
WARNING: Automotive brake systems are critical for vehicle safety. Improper installation or maintenance can lead to serious injury or death. If you are not experienced with automotive brake system repair, it is highly recommended to seek assistance from a qualified professional mechanic.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, when working on brake systems.
- Ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before beginning any work. Never rely solely on a jack.
- Brake dust may contain asbestos or other hazardous materials. Avoid inhaling dust. Use an approved brake cleaner and proper ventilation.
- Do not reuse worn or damaged brake components.
- Refer to your vehicle's specific service manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications.
- After installation, perform a test drive in a safe area to confirm proper brake function.
Product Overview
The Wagner Z960 Drum Brake Shoe set is engineered for reliable and consistent braking. Key features include:
- Optimal Braking Performance: Utilizes OE-matched friction material for superior stopping power.
- Maximized Friction-to-Drum Contact: Precision ground material ensures maximum contact area.
- OE Design Matching: Attached levers and pins are included to match original equipment specifications on specific applications.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Available for a wide range of foreign and domestic vehicle models.
- Asbestos-Free Material: Constructed with asbestos-free friction material for safety.
Figure 1: Wagner Z960 Drum Brake Shoe components. This image displays the complete set of brake shoes and friction pads, ready for installation.
Figure 2: Key features of Wagner brake technology. This diagram highlights design elements such as application-specific chamfers, the gradual post-cured process for even friction, and premium stainless-steel hardware.
Setup and Installation
Installation of drum brake shoes requires specific tools and knowledge. The following is a general guide and should be supplemented with your vehicle's service manual.
- Preparation: 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.
- Drum Removal: Carefully remove the brake drum. It may require gentle tapping with a rubber mallet if stuck.
- Component Disassembly: Take a clear photo or make a diagram of the existing brake shoe assembly to aid reassembly. Carefully remove the return springs, hold-down springs, and the old brake shoes. Note the position of the parking brake lever and adjuster mechanism.
- Inspection and Cleaning: Inspect the wheel cylinder for leaks and the drum for excessive wear or scoring. Clean the backing plate and all components with an approved brake cleaner.
- Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the contact points on the backing plate where the brake shoes slide.
- New Shoe Installation: Install the new Wagner Z960 brake shoes, ensuring the correct shoe (primary/secondary) is in the proper position. Reattach the parking brake lever, adjuster mechanism, and all springs according to your diagram or vehicle service manual.
- Adjuster Pre-adjustment: Pre-adjust the brake shoe adjuster to a point where the drum can be installed with slight resistance.
- Drum Reinstallation: Reinstall the brake drum. If it's too tight, retract the adjuster slightly. If too loose, expand it.
- Final Assembly: Reinstall the wheel and tighten lug nuts to vehicle manufacturer specifications. Lower the vehicle.
- Brake Pedal Pumping: Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until a firm pedal is achieved. This seats the shoes against the drum.
- Bedding-in Procedure: Perform a bedding-in procedure as recommended by brake manufacturers (typically several moderate stops from 30-40 mph, allowing brakes to cool between stops) to optimize performance and longevity.
For detailed, vehicle-specific instructions, always consult your vehicle's official service manual or a certified mechanic.
Operating
Once properly installed, your Wagner Z960 Drum Brake Shoes will provide reliable stopping power. During initial use, especially after installation, a slight change in pedal feel or braking response may be noticed as the new shoes conform to the brake drums. This is normal. Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles to allow for proper bedding-in of the friction material.
Maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial for the longevity and performance of your drum brake system. It is recommended to inspect your drum brakes at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Brake Shoe Wear: Check the thickness of the friction material. Replace shoes if they are worn down to the rivets or if the friction material is less than 1.5mm thick.
- Drum Condition: Inspect the inside surface of the brake drum for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear. Drums may need to be machined or replaced if damaged.
- Springs and Hardware: Ensure all springs are intact and properly tensioned. Replace any stretched, corroded, or broken springs and hardware.
- Wheel Cylinders: Check for any signs of brake fluid leaks around the wheel cylinders. Leaking cylinders must be replaced.
- Self-Adjusters: Verify that the self-adjusting mechanism is functioning correctly.
- Cleaning: Periodically clean brake dust from the drum assembly using an approved brake cleaner.
Troubleshooting
If you experience any issues with your drum brakes, consult the following common problems and potential solutions. For complex issues, professional diagnosis is recommended.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Squealing/Grinding Noise | Worn shoes, contaminated friction material, improper bedding-in, worn drum. | Inspect shoes and drums, clean components, re-bed brakes, replace worn parts. |
| Weak Braking/Spongy Pedal | Air in brake lines, worn shoes, leaking wheel cylinder, improper adjustment. | Bleed brake system, inspect for leaks, adjust shoes, replace worn components. |
| Brake Drag/Overheating | Over-adjusted shoes, seized wheel cylinder, faulty parking brake cable. | Adjust shoes, inspect/replace wheel cylinder, check parking brake. |
| Vibration/Pulsation | Out-of-round drums, uneven shoe wear. | Inspect and machine or replace drums, replace shoes. |
Specifications
The following are general specifications for the Wagner Z960 Drum Brake Shoe:
- Brand: Wagner
- Model Number: Z960
- Manufacturer Part Number: Z960
- OEM Part Number: Z960
- Position: Rear
- Item Weight: Approximately 3.5 pounds
- Product Dimensions: Approximately 12.8 x 8.9 x 5.2 inches
- Country of Origin: China
- ASIN: B006DYB0WY
- Material: Asbestos-free friction material
Warranty and Support
For specific warranty information regarding your Wagner Z960 Drum Brake Shoes, please refer to the official Wagner Brake website or contact their customer service directly. Warranty terms and conditions may vary.
For technical support or further assistance, please contact Wagner Brake customer service through their official channels. Always provide your product model number (Z960) and any relevant purchase details when seeking support.
You can find more information and contact details on the official Wagner website: www.wagnerbrake.com
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