Drum brakes are a kind of brake that makes use of friction to gradual or cease a car. They’re sometimes discovered on the rear wheels of automobiles, however can be discovered on the entrance wheels of some older automobiles. Drum brakes are much less efficient than disc brakes, however they’re additionally cheaper and simpler to keep up. If it is advisable take away a drum brake, you will need to comply with the steps fastidiously to keep away from damaging the brake or the car.
Step one is to collect the mandatory instruments. You’ll need a jack, a jack stand, a lug wrench, and a socket wrench. You might also want a hammer and a chisel. Upon getting gathered the mandatory instruments, you possibly can start the method of eradicating the drum brake. Step one is to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re engaged on. Don’t take away the lug nuts fully presently. As soon as the lug nuts are loosened, you should utilize the jack to lift the car. You’ll want to use a jack stand to assist the car if you are engaged on it. As soon as the car is raised, you possibly can take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
As soon as the wheel is eliminated, you’ll need to take away the brake drum. The brake drum is held in place by a collection of bolts. Take away the bolts after which pull the brake drum off of the wheel hub. As soon as the brake drum is eliminated, you’ll need to take away the brake footwear. The brake footwear are held in place by a collection of springs. Take away the springs after which pull the brake footwear off of the backing plate. As soon as the brake footwear are eliminated, you possibly can take away the brake cylinder. The brake cylinder is held in place by a collection of bolts. Take away the bolts after which pull the brake cylinder off of the backing plate. As soon as the brake cylinder is eliminated, you should have efficiently eliminated the drum brake.
Figuring out the Drum Brake Parts
The Drum
The drum is a cylindrical-shaped metallic part that encloses the brake footwear and different brake elements. It’s connected to the wheel hub and rotates with the wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake footwear press in opposition to the internal floor of the drum, creating friction and slowing down the wheel.
The Backing Plate
The backing plate is a metallic plate that’s mounted behind the drum. It helps the brake footwear and offers a mounting level for the wheel cylinder and different brake elements. The backing plate additionally helps to dissipate warmth generated by braking.
The Brake Footwear
The brake footwear are curved or crescent-shaped metallic elements which are lined with a friction materials. They’re mounted on the backing plate and press in opposition to the internal floor of the drum when the brake pedal is pressed. The friction between the brake footwear and the drum creates the braking power.
The Wheel Cylinder
The wheel cylinder is a hydraulic part that converts hydraulic stress from the grasp cylinder into mechanical power. It’s mounted on the backing plate and comprises pistons that push the brake footwear in opposition to the drum when the brake pedal is pressed.
The Springs
Springs are utilized in drum brakes to return the brake footwear to their preliminary place after the brake pedal is launched. There are two kinds of springs utilized in drum brakes: return springs and parking brake springs. Return springs are situated between the brake footwear and the backing plate, whereas parking brake springs are situated between the brake footwear and the wheel cylinder.
| Part | Operate |
|—|—|
| Drum | Encloses the brake footwear and different brake elements |
| Backing plate | Helps the brake footwear and offers a mounting level for the wheel cylinder |
| Brake footwear | Press in opposition to the internal floor of the drum to create braking power |
| Wheel cylinder | Converts hydraulic stress into mechanical power to push the brake footwear in opposition to the drum |
| Springs | Return the brake footwear to their preliminary place after the brake pedal is launched |
Gathering the Obligatory Instruments
Earlier than embarking on the method of eradicating a drum brake, it’s essential to collect the mandatory instruments to make sure the duty is accomplished safely and effectively. The important instruments for this job embrace:
Wheel chocks
These are positioned behind the tires that won’t be labored on to forestall the car from rolling. Make sure the chocks are firmly in place and secure to offer enough resistance.
Lug wrench
This device is used to loosen and take away the lug nuts that safe the wheel to the hub. You will need to use the proper measurement lug wrench in your car’s lug nuts to keep away from damaging them.
Socket wrench with applicable socket
That is used to take away the bolts that maintain the drum brake in place. The socket measurement will fluctuate relying on the car. Make sure the socket suits snugly on the bolts to forestall slipping and potential injury to the bolts.
Rubber mallet or hammer
These instruments are used to faucet the drum brake unfastened from the axle. Use a mallet or hammer with a tender head to keep away from damaging the drum brake.
Brake cleaner
That is used to scrub the brake elements as soon as the drum brake is eliminated. Brake cleaner is efficient in eradicating grease and brake mud.
Security glasses
These are important for shielding your eyes from flying particles or brake mud whereas engaged on the car.
Eradicating the Wheel and Drum Brake Cowl
To take away the drum brake cowl, comply with these steps:
- Find the wheel lug nuts: These are often situated across the perimeter of the wheel.
- Loosen the lug nuts: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, however don’t take away them fully.
- Elevate the car: Use a jack or jack stands to raise the car off the bottom. Make sure that the car is secure and safe earlier than continuing.
- Take away the lug nuts and wheel: As soon as the lug nuts are unfastened, take away them by turning them counterclockwise. Then, fastidiously pull the wheel away from the brake drum.
- Take away the drum brake cowl: The drum brake cowl is usually held in place by a number of bolts or screws. Take away these fasteners and raise the drum brake cowl off the brake meeting.
Further Ideas
- If the drum brake cowl is caught, gently faucet it with a hammer to loosen it.
- If the lug nuts are troublesome to take away, apply penetrating oil to the threads and let it sit for a couple of minutes earlier than making an attempt to loosen them.
- Watch out to not injury the brake elements when eradicating the drum brake cowl.
Releasing the Brake Footwear
As soon as the brake drum is eliminated, the following step is to launch the brake footwear. Start by fastidiously inspecting the footwear for any indicators of harm or put on. If any issues are found, the footwear ought to be changed earlier than persevering with.
To launch the brake footwear, you’ll need a pair of pliers or a C-clamp. Utilizing the pliers, grasp the spring clip that holds the brake shoe in place on the prime of the brake plate. Compress the spring clip and slide it off the brake shoe. Repeat this course of for the spring clip on the backside of the brake plate.
With the spring clips eliminated, the brake shoe may be lifted off the brake plate. You’ll want to notice the orientation of the shoe in order that it may be reinstalled accurately later. As soon as the primary brake shoe is eliminated, repeat the method for the second shoe.
Disconnecting the Parking Brake Cable
In some automobiles, the parking brake cable is connected to the brake footwear. If so, you’ll need to disconnect the cable earlier than you possibly can take away the brake footwear. To do that, find the parking brake lever below the dashboard and pull it as much as interact the parking brake. This can trigger the parking brake cable to tighten.
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As soon as the cable is tight, crawl below the car and find the parking brake equalizer. The equalizer is a small, metallic bracket that’s mounted on the rear axle. The parking brake cable runs by means of the equalizer and is linked to the brake footwear on each side of the car. To disconnect the cable, merely unbolt the cable from the equalizer. |
With the parking brake cable disconnected, now you can take away the brake footwear. Comply with the steps outlined above to take away the spring clips and raise the brake footwear off the brake plate. |
Disconnecting the Brake Strains
Upon getting eliminated the wheels, you’ll need to disconnect the brake strains from the wheel cylinders. To do that, you’ll need a flare nut wrench or a line wrench. Place the wrench on the brake line becoming and switch it counterclockwise to loosen it. Watch out to not overtighten the wrench, as this might injury the becoming.
As soon as the becoming is unfastened, you should utilize your fingers to unscrew it the remainder of the way in which. The brake line will now be free from the wheel cylinder. Repeat this course of for the opposite wheel cylinder.
Earlier than you possibly can take away the brake drums, you’ll need to cap off the brake strains to forestall brake fluid from leaking out. You are able to do this by utilizing a rubber cap or by wrapping a bit of tape across the finish of the brake line.
As soon as the brake strains are capped off, you should utilize a drum puller to take away the brake drums. The drum puller is a specialised device that’s designed to soundly take away brake drums with out damaging them. To make use of the drum puller, place the hooks on the sting of the brake drum and tighten the bolt till the brake drum pops off.
As soon as the brake drums are eliminated, you should have entry to the brake footwear and different inside elements of the brake system. Now you can proceed to examine and restore or substitute any needed components.
Eradicating the Brake Drum
Eradicating the brake drum requires a bit extra finesse and care in comparison with the backing plate. This is a step-by-step information to detach the drum safely:
- Safe the car: Interact the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels reverse the brake being serviced to forestall the automotive from rolling.
- Loosen the lug nuts, not take away them: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel related to the brake drum. Don’t take away them fully at this stage.
- Faucet the drum: Give the brake drum a delicate faucet round its circumference utilizing a rubber mallet or hammer and a block of wooden to keep away from direct power on the drum. This helps break the rust or corrosion that is likely to be holding the drum in place.
- Take away the lug nuts and wheel: As soon as the drum has been loosened, take away the lug nuts fully and pull the wheel straight in the direction of you to detach it from the hub.
- Disconnect the brake line: Find the brake line connected to the wheel cylinder and disconnect it utilizing a flare nut wrench. Be cautious to not injury the brake line.
- Detach the return spring and brake shoe hold-down springs: Utilizing a pair of pliers, fastidiously detach the return spring and the brake shoe hold-down springs. The return spring is usually smaller and connects the brake footwear at their prime, whereas the hold-down springs safe the brake footwear to the backing plate.
- Take away the brake footwear: As soon as the springs are indifferent, fastidiously slide the brake footwear out of the brake drum. Be conscious of any shims or adjusters that is likely to be connected to the brake footwear and take away them as effectively.
- Pull off the brake drum: With the brake footwear eliminated, gently pull the brake drum straight in the direction of you to detach it from the axle. Train warning because the drum may be heavy.
Inspecting the Drum Brake Parts
1. Take away the Drum and Brake Footwear
To examine the drum brake elements, you’ll need to take away the drum and brake footwear. This may be carried out by following these steps:
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel.
- Elevate the car and safe it on jack stands.
- Take away the wheel.
- Take away the brake drum by pulling it straight off the axle.
- Take away the brake footwear by fastidiously pulling them away from the backing plate.
2. Examine the Brake Footwear
As soon as the brake footwear are eliminated, it’s best to examine them for any indicators of damage or injury. The brake footwear ought to be easy and freed from any cracks or chips. The liner must also be thick sufficient to offer enough braking energy.
3. Examine the Brake Drums
The brake drums must also be inspected for any indicators of damage or injury. The drums ought to be easy and freed from any cracks or gouges. The internal floor of the drums must also be clear and freed from any rust or particles.
4. Examine the Wheel Cylinders
The wheel cylinders ought to be inspected for any indicators of leaks or injury. The wheel cylinders ought to be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The piston boots must also be in good situation.
5. Examine the Brake Strains and Hoses
The brake strains and hoses ought to be inspected for any indicators of leaks or injury. The strains and hoses ought to be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The fittings must also be tight and safe.
6. Examine the Parking Brake Lever
The parking brake lever ought to be inspected for any indicators of harm or put on. The lever ought to be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The pivot level must also be lubricated.
7. Examine the Return Springs
The return springs ought to be inspected for any indicators of harm or put on. The springs ought to be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The springs must also be sturdy sufficient to return the brake footwear to their resting place.
Cleansing and Lubricating the Drum Brake Parts
As soon as the drum brake elements are eliminated, they need to be completely cleaned and lubricated. This can assist to make sure that they perform correctly and final for a very long time.
Cleansing the Drum Brake Parts
Use a brake cleaner to take away any dust or particles from the drum brake elements. You’ll want to put on security glasses and gloves when utilizing brake cleaner, as it may be dangerous if it comes into contact along with your pores and skin or eyes.
Lubricating the Drum Brake Parts
As soon as the drum brake elements are clear, they need to be lubricated with a high-temperature brake grease. Apply a skinny layer of grease to all the transferring components of the brake, together with the wheel cylinders, brake footwear, and comes.
Lubricating the Brake Adjuster
The drum brake adjuster is a crucial part that ensures the brake footwear are correctly adjusted. The brake adjuster is liable for taking over the slack within the brake footwear as they put on.Lubricating the brake adjuster ensures it strikes freely and may regulate the brake footwear as wanted.
To lubricate the brake adjuster, apply a small quantity of high-temperature brake grease to the threads and transferring components of the adjuster. Don’t over-lubricate the brake adjuster, as this will appeal to dust and particles.
Inspecting the Brake Footwear
As soon as the drum brake elements are lubricated, they need to be inspected for put on. The brake footwear ought to be at the least 1/4 inch thick. If the brake footwear are worn down, they need to get replaced.
To examine the brake footwear, search for any cracks, chips, or different injury. The brake footwear must also be freed from any oil or grease. If the brake footwear are broken or contaminated, they need to get replaced.
Reassembling the Drum Brake
As soon as the drum brake elements have been cleaned and lubricated, they are often reassembled. To reassemble the drum brake, comply with these steps:
- Place the brake footwear into the brake drum.
- Set up the brake springs.
- Set up the wheel cylinders.
- Set up the brake drum.
- Tighten the lug nuts.
Adjusting the Drum Brake
As soon as the drum brake is reassembled, it ought to be adjusted. To regulate the drum brake, comply with these steps:
- Pump the brake pedal a number of occasions.
- Flip the brake adjuster till the brake footwear are cosy in opposition to the brake drum.
- Again off the brake adjuster 1/4 flip.
- Check the brake to verify it’s working correctly.
Reinstalling the Drum Brake Meeting
Now that you have efficiently eliminated the drum brake meeting, it is time to put all of it again collectively. Comply with these steps to make sure a correct and secure set up.
9. Set up the Backing Plate
Align the backing plate with the axle and punctiliously slide it into place. Make sure that the brake footwear are positioned accurately throughout the slots of the backing plate. Use bolts or screws to safe the backing plate to the axle housing. Tighten the bolts or screws to the desired torque.
Check with the desk under for the really useful torque values:
| Automobile Mannequin | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic | 25-30 |
| Toyota Camry | 30-35 |
| Ford Focus | 35-40 |
Be aware: Double-check that the backing plate is securely fixed and that the brake footwear are correctly seated.
Bleeding the Brake System
Bleeding the brake system removes any air that will have gotten into the strains throughout service. This may be carried out with a helper or alone if you happen to use a one-person bleeder package.
Supplies wanted:
- DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
- Bleeder wrench
- Clear rag
- One-person bleeder package (optionally available)
Steps:
- Fill the grasp cylinder with brake fluid.
- Find the bleeder screw on the wheel cylinder. It’s often a small, spherical screw with a rubber cap.
- Place a field wrench or bleeder wrench over the bleeder screw and loosen it barely.
- If utilizing a helper, have them press down on the brake pedal a number of occasions and maintain it down. If utilizing a one-person bleeder package, comply with the package’s directions for making use of stress to the system.
- Whereas the brake pedal is depressed, open the bleeder screw barely and permit the brake fluid and air bubbles to stream out. Shut the bleeder screw earlier than the brake pedal reaches the ground.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 till no extra air bubbles are seen within the brake fluid popping out of the bleeder screw.
- Tighten the bleeder screw and take away the wrench.
- Repeat steps 2-7 for the remaining wheel cylinders.
- Examine the brake fluid stage within the grasp cylinder and add fluid as wanted.
- Pump the brake pedal a number of occasions to construct up stress within the system.
Be aware:
* At all times use clear brake fluid and instruments.
* Don’t overtighten the bleeder screw, as this will injury the threads.
* In case you are not snug bleeding the brake system your self, have it carried out by a certified mechanic.
Methods to Take a Drum Brake Off
Drum brakes are a kind of brake that’s generally discovered on older automobiles. They’re much less environment friendly than disc brakes, however they’re additionally cheaper to fabricate and preserve. If it is advisable substitute the brake footwear or drums in your car, you’ll need to know methods to take the drum brake off.
Listed here are the steps on methods to take a drum brake off:
- Park your car on a stage floor and set the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you may be engaged on, however don’t take away them fully.
- Jack up the car and safe it with jack stands.
- Take away the lug nuts and wheel.
- Find the brake drum and take away the mud cap.
- Use a big screwdriver or pry bar to take away the cotter pin from the fort nut.
- Use a socket wrench to take away the fort nut.
- Pull the brake drum straight off the axle.
Folks Additionally Ask About Methods to Take a Drum Brake Off
How do you take away a drum brake with out a puller?
When you don’t have a brake drum puller, you should utilize a big screwdriver or pry bar to take away the brake drum. Insert the screwdriver or pry bar between the brake drum and the backing plate and pry the brake drum off.
How have you learnt if drum brakes have to be changed?
There are a couple of indicators that will point out that your drum brakes have to be changed. These indicators embrace:
- Squealing or grinding noises when braking
- Diminished braking energy
- Leaking brake fluid
- Free or worn brake footwear
- Cracked or broken brake drums
Are you able to substitute drum brakes your self?
Sure, it’s attainable to exchange drum brakes your self. Nevertheless, you will need to notice that this can be a complicated process that requires some mechanical data and expertise.
