Drum brakes are a standard sort of brake discovered on vehicles and different automobiles. They encompass a rotating drum that’s connected to the wheel, and a set of brake sneakers that press in opposition to the within of the drum to sluggish or cease the automobile.
There are occasions when it might be essential to take away a drum brake, resembling when changing the brake sneakers or repairing the drum itself. Eradicating a drum brake generally is a comparatively easy activity, however it is very important observe the proper steps to keep away from damaging the brake parts. On this article, we are going to present a step-by-step information on methods to take away a drum brake safely and successfully.
Earlier than starting, it is very important collect the required instruments and supplies. You have to a lug wrench, a jack, a jack stand, a hammer, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. After getting gathered your instruments, you possibly can start the method of eradicating the drum brake.
Security Precautions
Earlier than you start working in your drum brakes, it is essential to take some security precautions to guard your self and your automobile.
First, ensure that your automobile is parked on a degree floor and that the parking brake is engaged. It will assist to stop your automobile from rolling when you are engaged on it.
Subsequent, you may want to collect the required instruments for the job. This features a socket wrench, a torque wrench, a flathead screwdriver, and a hammer. After getting all your instruments, you possibly can start the method of eradicating the drum brakes.
It is also essential to put on security glasses and gloves when working in your brakes. It will assist to guard you from brake mud and different hazardous supplies.
Further Security Suggestions
- By no means work in your brakes whereas the automobile is operating
- All the time use the right instruments for the job
- In case you are not snug working in your brakes, it’s best to take your automobile to a mechanic
By following these security precautions, you possibly can assist to make sure that you’ve got a secure and profitable expertise when eradicating your drum brakes.
| Device | 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 sneakers 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 Device
7. Gloves
8. Torque Wrench
Disconnecting the Brake Strains 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 possibly can 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 |
|---|
| -All the time put on security glasses when working in your automobile. -Use jack stands to assist the automobile when you are engaged on it. -By no means work on a automobile that’s supported solely by a jack. -Watch out to not harm the brake traces if you find yourself disconnecting them. -All the time torque the lug nuts to the right specs if 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 degree 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 fully.
3. Increase 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 fully.
3. Grip the brake drum with each fingers and pull it straight off the spindle. The drum could also be caught, so you could want to make use of a rubber mallet to softly faucet it free.
| Drum Brake Varieties | Elimination Methodology |
|---|---|
| Main-shoe sort | Pull the drum straight off the spindle. |
| Trailing-shoe sort | Rotate the drum barely till the brake sneakers 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 sneakers for any indicators of wear and tear or contamination.
4. If any of the parts 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 usually situated on the again of the brake plate and are used to regulate the brake sneakers. 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 have to be eliminated. As an alternative, they work mechanically to regulate the brake sneakers 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 sneakers. They’re usually 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 often bolted to the backing plate. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and thoroughly take away the wheel cylinder.
- Now, take away the parking brake cable. It’s often 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 thoroughly take away the axle shaft.
- Lastly, take away the backing plate. It’s often bolted to the axle housing. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and thoroughly 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 might have to be changed. Additionally, search for any cracks or bends within the backing plate. If the backing plate is cracked or bent, it’s going to have to be changed.
Earlier than reassembling the drum brake system, it is very important clear and examine the entire parts. It will assist to make sure that the system is working correctly and safely.
Eradicating the Drum Brake Footwear
Step 7: Unhooking the Spring Rigidity
As soon as the cotter pins are eliminated, you may have to rigorously disengage the springs that maintain the sneakers in place. There are usually two forms 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 sneakers. Be cautious to not harm the springs or the sneakers.
The return springs connect to the brake sneakers 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 sneakers to leap when launched, so take additional care. As soon as the springs are unhooked, you possibly can gently pull the brake sneakers away from the backing plate and take away them.
| Kind of Spring | Motion |
|---|---|
| Maintain-Down Spring | Retains brake sneakers in touch with drum |
| Return Spring | Returns brake sneakers to their resting place |
Brake Adjustment
If you happen to’re experiencing any points together with your drum brakes, it is essential to regulate them correctly. Here is a step-by-step information on methods to do it:
1. Park the automobile on a degree floor: Make sure the parking brake is engaged.
2. Find the brake adjuster: The brake adjuster is often 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. Regulate 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 degree: If it is low, prime it up.
6. Check the brakes: Drive the automobile at a low pace and apply the brakes gently. They need to really feel agency and responsive.
7. Re-check the brake adjustment and fluid degree: After driving for a brief distance, re-check the brake adjustment and fluid degree to make sure every part is working appropriately.
Wheel Cylinder Inspection
If you happen to discover any leaks or harm to the wheel cylinder, it’s going to have to be changed. Here is methods to examine the wheel cylinder:
| Test | Steps |
|---|---|
| Leaks | Look at the wheel cylinder for any indicators of fluid leaks or stains. |
| Injury | 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. |
If you happen to discover any points with the wheel cylinder, it is really useful to switch it to make sure correct brake performance.
Remaining Inspection
After getting reassembled the brake parts, it is essential to conduct a remaining inspection to make sure correct performance and security. Listed below are the important thing steps concerned within the remaining inspection:
10. Complete Visible Inspection
Totally examine the complete brake meeting for any free or incorrectly put in parts. Be certain that all bolts, nuts, and screws are correctly tightened and safe. Test for any indicators of injury or put on on the brake sneakers, drums, or different parts. If you happen to discover any points, handle them promptly.
| Merchandise | Inspection Standards |
|---|---|
| Brake sneakers | Examine for put on, cracks, or contamination |
| Brake drums | Test for scoring, put on, or overheating |
| Springs and clips | Guarantee correct pressure and safe attachment |
| Wheel cylinders | Search for leaks or harm to the housing |
The right way to Take a Drum Brake Off
Drum brakes are a kind 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 usually much less efficient than disc brakes, however they’re additionally inexpensive and simpler to keep up. If you should take a drum brake off, observe these steps:
- Park the automobile on a degree 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 possibly can disconnect the brake line from the wheel cylinder.
- Take away the brake sneakers from the backing plate.
- Examine the brake sneakers and substitute them if essential.
- Reassemble the brake in reverse order.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do I do know if my drum brakes have to be changed?
There are a couple of indicators that your drum brakes might have to be changed, together with:
- Squealing or grinding noises while you brake
- A lower in braking energy
- A pulsating feeling within the brake pedal
- Leaking brake fluid
- Worn or cracked brake sneakers
How a lot does it value to switch drum brakes?
The price of changing drum brakes will fluctuate relying on the make and mannequin of your automobile, in addition to the labor prices in your space. Nonetheless, you possibly can count on to pay between $100 and $300 for elements and labor.
Can I substitute drum brakes myself?
Changing drum brakes is a comparatively easy job that may be completed with primary instruments. Nonetheless, it is very important observe the steps rigorously and to examine the brakes commonly for put on and tear.
