Drum brakes are a typical kind of brake discovered on automobiles and different autos. They include a rotating drum that’s connected to the wheel, and a set of brake footwear that press towards the within of the drum to sluggish or cease the automobile.
There are occasions when it could be essential to take away a drum brake, resembling when changing the brake footwear or repairing the drum itself. Eradicating a drum brake could be a comparatively easy activity, however it is very important comply with the right steps to keep away from damaging the brake elements. On this article, we are going to present a step-by-step information on the right way to take away a drum brake safely and successfully.
Earlier than starting, it is very important collect the mandatory instruments and supplies. You will want a lug wrench, a jack, a jack stand, a hammer, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Upon getting gathered your instruments, you’ll be able to start the method of eradicating the drum brake.
Security Precautions
Earlier than you start working in your drum brakes, it is vital to take some security precautions to guard your self and your automobile.
First, make it possible for your automobile is parked on a stage floor and that the parking brake is engaged. This can assist to stop your automobile from rolling while you’re engaged on it.
Subsequent, you may want to collect the mandatory instruments for the job. This features a socket wrench, a torque wrench, a flathead screwdriver, and a hammer. Upon getting all your instruments, you’ll be able to start the method of eradicating the drum brakes.
It is also vital to put on security glasses and gloves when working in your brakes. This can assist to guard you from brake mud and different hazardous supplies.
Extra Security Suggestions
- By no means work in your brakes whereas the automobile is operating
- At all times use the right instruments for the job
- In case you are not comfy working in your brakes, it’s best to take your automobile to a mechanic
By following these security precautions, you’ll be able to assist to make sure that you have got a protected and profitable expertise when eradicating your drum brakes.
| Instrument | Description |
|---|---|
| Socket wrench | Used to take away the lug nuts and bolts that maintain the drum in place |
| Torque wrench | Used to tighten the lug nuts and bolts to the right torque |
| Flathead screwdriver | Used to pry the brake footwear away from the drum |
| Hammer | Used to faucet the brake drum free whether it is caught |
Supplies Required
1. Security Glasses
2. Jack Stands
3. Lug Wrench
4. Brake Cleaner
5. Brake Line Wrench
6. Drum Brake Instrument
7. Gloves
8. Torque Wrench
Disconnecting the Brake Traces and Eradicating the Drums
As soon as the wheel is eliminated, you have to to disconnect the brake line. To do that, use a brake line wrench to loosen the brake line from the wheel cylinder. As soon as the brake line is disconnected, you’ll be able to take away the brake drum.
To take away the brake drum, insert the drum brake software into the slot on the again of the brake drum. Flip the drum brake software clockwise to take away the brake drum from the axle.
| Security Precautions |
|---|
| -At all times put on security glasses when working in your automobile. -Use jack stands to assist the automobile while you’re engaged on it. -By no means work on a automobile that’s supported solely by a jack. -Watch out to not harm the brake strains when you find yourself disconnecting them. -At all times torque the lug nuts to the right specs when you find yourself reassembling the wheel. -By no means drive a automobile with a brake system that isn’t working correctly. |
Eradicating the Wheel
1. Park the automobile on a stage floor and have interaction the parking brake.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you might be eradicating, however don’t take away them utterly.
3. Elevate the automobile utilizing a jack and place a jack stand beneath the body for security.
4. Take away the lug nuts and pull the wheel straight off the axle.
Eradicating the Drum
1. Take away the cotter pin from the fort nut on the spindle.
2. Use a socket wrench to loosen the fort nut, however don’t take away it utterly.
3. Grip the brake drum with each fingers and pull it straight off the spindle. The drum could also be caught, so chances are you’ll want to make use of a rubber mallet to softly faucet it free.
| Drum Brake Sorts | Elimination Methodology |
|---|---|
| Main-shoe kind | Pull the drum straight off the spindle. |
| Trailing-shoe kind | Rotate the drum barely till the brake footwear clear the backing plate, then pull the drum straight off the spindle. |
Inspecting the Brake Drum
1. As soon as the drum is eliminated, examine it for any indicators of wear and tear or harm.
2. Test the within of the drum for any scoring or grooving.
3. Test the brake footwear for any indicators of wear and tear or contamination.
4. If any of the elements are worn or broken, they need to get replaced.
Eradicating the Drum Brake Adjuster
Step 5: Take away the adjuster screw(s)
The adjuster screw(s) are sometimes situated on the again of the brake plate and are used to regulate the brake footwear. To take away the adjuster screw(s), you have to to make use of a flathead screwdriver or a brake adjuster software.
For single-adjuster brakes:
| Description | Removel Directions |
|---|---|
| Star wheel adjuster | Push the adjusting lever away from the brake backing plate and take away the star wheel utilizing a flathead screwdriver. |
| Eccentric adjuster | Flip the adjusting nut counterclockwise utilizing a brake spoon wrench or a flathead screwdriver. |
For self-adjusting brakes:
Self-adjusting brake adjusters shouldn’t have screws that should be eliminated. As an alternative, they work mechanically to regulate the brake footwear as they put on.
Disassembling the Backing Plate
With the drum and hub meeting eliminated, now you can disassemble the backing plate.
Here is a step-by-step information:
- Begin by eradicating the brake footwear. They’re sometimes held in place by springs or clips. Use a screwdriver or pliers to rigorously take away them.
- Subsequent, take away the wheel cylinder. It’s normally bolted to the backing plate. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and punctiliously take away the wheel cylinder.
- Now, take away the parking brake cable. It’s normally connected to the backing plate with a bracket or clip. Use a wrench or pliers to rigorously take away the bracket or clip and disconnect the cable.
- Subsequent, take away the axle shaft. It’s held in place by a nut or bolt. Use a wrench to loosen the nut or bolt and punctiliously take away the axle shaft.
- Lastly, take away the backing plate. It’s normally bolted to the axle housing. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and punctiliously take away the backing plate.
- Examine the backing plate for any indicators of wear and tear, harm or corrosion. Test the flange the place it mates with the axle housing. If the flange is worn or broken, it could should be changed. Additionally, search for any cracks or bends within the backing plate. If the backing plate is cracked or bent, it’ll should be changed.
Earlier than reassembling the drum brake system, it is very important clear and examine all the elements. This can assist to make sure that the system is working correctly and safely.
Eradicating the Drum Brake Footwear
Step 7: Unhooking the Spring Stress
As soon as the cotter pins are eliminated, you may have to rigorously disengage the springs that maintain the footwear in place. There are sometimes two varieties of springs: hold-down springs and return springs.
To launch the hold-down springs, use a flathead screwdriver to pry the loops of the spring away from the brake footwear. Be cautious to not harm the springs or the footwear.
The return springs connect to the brake footwear and the backing plate. To disconnect them, merely use a pair of pliers to squeeze the spring loops and launch them from the hooks or pins on the backing plate.
Bear in mind, the stress of the springs can nonetheless trigger the footwear to leap when launched, so take additional care. As soon as the springs are unhooked, you’ll be able to gently pull the brake footwear away from the backing plate and take away them.
| Sort of Spring | Motion |
|---|---|
| Maintain-Down Spring | Retains brake footwear involved with drum |
| Return Spring | Returns brake footwear to their resting place |
Brake Adjustment
For those who’re experiencing any points together with your drum brakes, it is vital to regulate them correctly. Here is a step-by-step information on the right way to do it:
1. Park the automobile on a stage floor: Make sure the parking brake is engaged.
2. Find the brake adjuster: The brake adjuster is usually situated on the again of the brake backing plate.
3. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the adjuster slot: Flip the adjuster clockwise to tighten the brakes or counterclockwise to loosen them.
4. Modify the brakes till there’s a slight drag when the wheel is turned by hand: The wheel mustn’t lock up.
5. Test the brake fluid stage: If it is low, prime it up.
6. Take a look at the brakes: Drive the automobile at a low velocity and apply the brakes gently. They need to really feel agency and responsive.
7. Re-check the brake adjustment and fluid stage: After driving for a brief distance, re-check the brake adjustment and fluid stage to make sure every part is working accurately.
Wheel Cylinder Inspection
For those who discover any leaks or harm to the wheel cylinder, it’ll should be changed. Here is the right way to examine the wheel cylinder:
| Test | Steps |
|---|---|
| Leaks | Look at the wheel cylinder for any indicators of fluid leaks or stains. |
| Harm | Examine the wheel cylinder for any cracks, dents, or different harm. |
| Seals | Test the rubber seals on the wheel cylinder for any indicators of wear and tear or harm. |
For those who discover any points with the wheel cylinder, it is really useful to switch it to make sure correct brake performance.
Remaining Inspection
Upon getting reassembled the brake elements, it is essential to conduct a closing inspection to make sure correct performance and security. Listed here are the important thing steps concerned within the closing inspection:
10. Complete Visible Inspection
Completely examine the whole brake meeting for any free or incorrectly put in elements. Be sure that all bolts, nuts, and screws are correctly tightened and safe. Test for any indicators of harm or put on on the brake footwear, drums, or different elements. For those who discover any points, deal with them promptly.
| Merchandise | Inspection Standards |
|---|---|
| Brake footwear | Examine for put on, cracks, or contamination |
| Brake drums | Test for scoring, put on, or overheating |
| Springs and clips | Guarantee correct stress and safe attachment |
| Wheel cylinders | Search for leaks or harm to the housing |
How you can Take a Drum Brake Off
Drum brakes are a sort of automotive brake that makes use of a rotating drum to use friction to a stationary brake shoe, slowing or stopping the automobile. Drum brakes are typically much less efficient than disc brakes, however they’re additionally cheaper and simpler to keep up. If you want to take a drum brake off, comply with these steps:
- Park the automobile on a stage floor and have interaction the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you may be engaged on, however don’t take away them.
- Jack up the automobile and assist it with jack stands.
- Take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Take away the cotter pin from the fort nut on the brake drum.
- Loosen the fort nut, however don’t take away it.
- Use a drum brake puller to tug the brake drum off of the axle.
- As soon as the brake drum is off, you’ll be able to disconnect the brake line from the wheel cylinder.
- Take away the brake footwear from the backing plate.
- Examine the brake footwear and exchange them if mandatory.
- Reassemble the brake in reverse order.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do I do know if my drum brakes should be changed?
There are just a few indicators that your drum brakes might should be changed, together with:
- Squealing or grinding noises if you brake
- A lower in braking energy
- A pulsating feeling within the brake pedal
- Leaking brake fluid
- Worn or cracked brake footwear
How a lot does it value to switch drum brakes?
The price of changing drum brakes will range relying on the make and mannequin of your automobile, in addition to the labor prices in your space. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay between $100 and $300 for elements and labor.
Can I exchange drum brakes myself?
Changing drum brakes is a comparatively easy job that may be completed with primary instruments. Nevertheless, it is very important comply with the steps rigorously and to examine the brakes repeatedly for put on and tear.
