Adjusting drum brakes is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished with a number of primary instruments. Nevertheless, it is very important observe the steps rigorously to make sure that the brakes are correctly adjusted. Failure to take action might lead to decreased braking efficiency and even brake failure. Moreover, common brake changes will assist to increase the lifetime of your brake pads and drums.
Earlier than you start, you have to to assemble a number of instruments. These embrace a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a screwdriver, and a brake adjusting device. Upon getting your instruments, you’ll be able to start the method. Subsequent, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’ll be adjusting. Don’t take away the lug nuts fully.
Now, use the jack to lift the automobile and place the jack stands beneath the body. As soon as the automobile is safe, you’ll be able to take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel. Subsequent, find the brake adjusting star wheel. That is normally situated on the again of the brake backing plate. Use the brake adjusting device to show the star wheel. You will want to show the star wheel within the course that’s indicated by the arrow on the brake backing plate. As you flip the star wheel, you’ll really feel the brake sneakers transfer nearer to the brake drum. Proceed turning the star wheel till the brake sneakers are simply touching the brake drum.
Inspecting the Brake System
Earlier than adjusting the drum brakes, it is essential to completely examine the brake system to determine any potential points. This inspection entails a number of key steps to make sure the correct functioning and security of your automobile’s braking system.
1. Visible Examination:
Start by visually inspecting all parts of the brake system, together with the brake calipers, pads, rotors, brake traces, and hoses. Search for any indicators of damage, injury, or leaks. Examine the brake fluid degree and situation, guaranteeing it’s on the appropriate degree and freed from contamination.
2. Brake Pad Thickness:
Examine the brake pad thickness. Worn brake pads can cut back braking effectiveness and result in injury to the rotors. Consult with your automobile proprietor’s guide or seek the advice of a mechanic to find out the minimal beneficial thickness on your brake pads.
3. Brake Rotor Situation:
Look at the brake rotors for any seen injury, comparable to cracks, warping, or extreme put on. Warped rotors may cause vibration throughout braking, whereas cracked rotors can compromise the integrity of the brake system.
4. Brake Line and Hose Inspection:
Examine the brake traces and hoses for any indicators of injury, corrosion, or leaks. Examine for any cracks, bulges, or gentle spots within the traces. Leaking brake traces can result in lack of brake fluid and diminished braking efficiency.
Gathering the Needed Instruments
Instruments Required:
To start adjusting your drum brakes, you may want to assemble the next instruments:
| – Jack stands | – Lug wrench |
| – Socket wrench or mixture wrench | – Brake cleaner |
| – Brake spring device | – Drum brake adjusting spoon |
| – Feeler gauge (elective) | – Anti-seize compound (elective) |
Further Instruments for Extra Thorough Upkeep:
Along with the important instruments listed above, you might also need to take into account gathering the next for a extra thorough brake inspection and restore:
- Brake pads
- Brake sneakers
- Brake {hardware} package
- Brake caliper
- Brake rotors
- Brake fluid
Security Precautions:
Earlier than beginning any brake work, it’s essential to take the mandatory security precautions:
- Park the automobile on a degree, steady floor.
- Have interaction the parking brake.
- Place wheel chocks behind the wheels reverse those you may be engaged on.
- Put on security glasses and gloves.
Loosening the Brake Drums
Earlier than you’ll be able to alter the drum brakes, it’s worthwhile to loosen the brake drums. To do that, you have to a wheel brace or lug wrench.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the brake drum it’s worthwhile to alter. Don’t take away them fully.
- Elevate the automobile and assist it on jack stands.
- Take away the lug nuts by hand and take away the wheel.
- Find the brake drum. It’s the massive, spherical steel half that’s hooked up to the wheel hub.
- There are two or extra small holes within the brake drum. Insert a small screwdriver or nail into one of many holes and pry the brake drum off the wheel hub.
- Repeat steps 5–7 for the opposite wheel with the brake drum it’s worthwhile to alter.
As soon as the brake drums are free, you’ll be able to alter them to the correct specs. Observe the directions within the subsequent part to do that.
Eradicating the Drums
Step one in adjusting a drum brake is to take away the drums. To do that, you have to to jack up the automobile and take away the wheel. As soon as the wheel is eliminated, you will notice a big steel drum that’s hooked up to the wheel hub. To take away the drum, you have to to take away the cotter pin that’s holding the axle nut in place. As soon as the cotter pin is eliminated, you should utilize a socket wrench to take away the axle nut. As soon as the axle nut is eliminated, it is possible for you to to drag the drum off of the wheel hub.
There are some things to bear in mind when eradicating the drums. First, the drums might be heavy, so watch out when lifting them. Second, the drums could also be rusted or corroded, so chances are you’ll want to make use of a hammer to interrupt them free. Lastly, watch out to not injury the axle or the wheel hub when eradicating the drums.
Listed here are some suggestions for eradicating the drums:
- Use a penetrating oil to assist loosen the rusted or corroded bolts.
- Use a hammer to faucet the drum across the edges to assist break it free.
- Watch out to not injury the axle or the wheel hub when eradicating the drums.
| 1. | Jack up the automobile and take away the wheel. |
| 2. | Take away the cotter pin that’s holding the axle nut in place. |
| 3. | Use a socket wrench to take away the axle nut. |
| 4. | Pull the drum off of the wheel hub. |
Adjusting the Star Wheel
Instruments You will Want
To regulate the star wheel, you may want the next instruments:
- Flathead screwdriver
- 10mm socket wrench
Steps
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Park your automobile on a degree floor and interact the parking brake.
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Find the star wheel by the entry gap within the backing plate behind every wheel. It is sometimes situated on the backside of the brake drum.
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Insert the flathead screwdriver into the star wheel’s tooth and switch the wheel down (counterclockwise) to loosen the brake sneakers, permitting the drum to spin extra freely.
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If the drum continues to be too tight, proceed turning the star wheel down in small increments till the drum spins easily by hand with a slight quantity of drag.
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Checking Brake Shoe Clearance
To make sure the brake sneakers are correctly adjusted, observe these steps:
- Spin the wheel by hand and test the clearance between the brake shoe and the drum floor.
- Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance, which needs to be roughly 0.010" (0.25 mm).
- If the clearance is just too small, alter the star wheel down additional. If it is too massive, alter the star wheel up barely.
- Repeat this course of till you obtain the specified clearance.
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As soon as the brake sneakers are correctly adjusted, tighten the locknut on the star wheel utilizing the 10mm socket wrench.
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Repeat the adjustment course of for the opposite rear wheel.
Retightening the Locknut
The ultimate step in adjusting a drum brake entails retightening the locknut that secures the brake sneakers in place. This step is essential to make sure that the brakes perform correctly and stop any potential security hazards.
1. Tightening the Locknut
Utilizing an applicable wrench or socket, rigorously tighten the locknut on the brake shoe adjuster. It is very important keep away from overtightening the locknut, as this could injury the adjuster or the brake sneakers. Intention for a agency and safe match that permits the adjuster to maneuver freely with none play.
2. Checking the Adjustment
As soon as the locknut is tightened, spin the wheel to test the brake adjustment. The brake sneakers ought to calmly contact the brake drum, offering a slight resistance to rotation. If the brakes are too tight, the wheel might be tough to show. If they’re too free, the brakes won’t be efficient.
3. Adjusting the Slack
If the brakes are too tight or too free, readjust the brake sneakers by turning the adjuster. To tighten the brakes, flip the adjuster clockwise; to loosen them, flip counterclockwise. Spin the wheel after every adjustment to test the brake really feel and make fine-tuning changes as wanted.
4. Guaranteeing Correct Operation
Repeat the adjustment course of till the brakes present a easy and balanced really feel when utilized. The wheels ought to spin freely when the brakes should not utilized and cease or decelerate successfully when the brakes are engaged. In case you encounter any points or are uncertain in regards to the adjustment, it’s endorsed to hunt the help of a certified mechanic.
5. Desk: Brake Adjustment Torque Specs
| Automobile Make/Mannequin | Locknut Torque (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | 18-24 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | 15-20 |
| Toyota Camry | 9-13 |
Changing the Drums
1. Security First: Have interaction the parking brake and chock the wheels reverse the drum being changed.
2. Take away the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench, then take away them and the wheel.
3. Detach the Backing Plate: Take away the retaining bolts holding the backing plate in place. Fastidiously pry the backing plate away from the axle utilizing a flat-head screwdriver or pry bar.
4. Take away the Drums: Slide the drums off the brake sneakers. If they’re caught, faucet them gently with a hammer and chisel.
5. Examine the Brake Sneakers: Examine the brake sneakers for put on, injury, or contamination. If vital, substitute the worn-out brake sneakers.
6. Clear the Backing Plate: Take away any dust, rust, or particles from the backing plate and axle hub utilizing a wire brush or sandpaper.
7. **Put together the New Drums:** Lubricate the brake shoe contact surfaces of the brand new drums with anti-squeal compound or brake grease. This prevents squealing and ensures correct braking efficiency.
8. Set up the New Drums: Slide the brand new drums over the brake sneakers and onto the axle hub.
9. Reattach the Backing Plate: Fastidiously place the backing plate and safe it with the retaining bolts.
10. Set up the Wheel: Place the wheel on the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the desired torque.
11. Bleed the Brakes: If vital, bleed the brakes to take away any air that will have entered the brake system in the course of the substitute course of.
12. Check Drive: Take the automobile for a take a look at drive and test if the brakes are working correctly. Pay attention for any uncommon noises or vibrations.
Testing the Changes
Upon getting made the changes, it is necessary to check them to make sure they’re appropriate. Here is how you can do it:
9. Testing the Drum Brake Changes in Element
To completely take a look at the drum brake changes, observe these steps:
- Examine for extreme brake drag: Drive the automobile and apply gentle stress to the brakes. If the automobile pulls to at least one facet or the brakes really feel sluggish, it signifies extreme brake drag.
- Examine for uneven braking: Apply the brakes firmly and observe the automobile’s conduct. If one wheel locks up earlier than the others, it suggests uneven braking distribution.
- Guarantee correct pedal really feel: The brake pedal ought to present agency and constant resistance with out feeling too spongy or mushy.
- Pay attention for any uncommon noises: Whereas driving or making use of the brakes, take note of any grinding, squealing, or different irregular sounds that will point out an issue with the brake adjustment.
- Examine the brake put on: Take away the brake drums and test the brake pads for even put on. Uneven put on patterns could point out improper changes.
- Validate the distinction in brake shoe put on: Take away each brake sneakers and evaluate the distinction in put on between the first and secondary sneakers. There needs to be a noticeable distinction, indicating correct adjustment.
- Verify even contact between brake sneakers and drum: With the brake sneakers put in, examine the contact floor between the sneakers and the within of the brake drum. The contact needs to be even across the complete circumference.
- Measure the brake drum diameter: Use a brake drum micrometer to measure the diameter of the brake drum and evaluate it to the specs offered by the automobile producer. Be sure that the drum is inside acceptable tolerances.
- Confirm brake shoe clearance: With the brake sneakers put in and the star wheel adjuster free, test the clearance between the sneakers and the drum. This clearance ought to meet the producer’s specs to make sure correct operation.
If any of those exams point out an issue with the brake changes, it is necessary to re-adjust the brakes and retest them till correct operation is achieved.
Troubleshooting Widespread Points
1. Brake Pedal Feels Spongy
Air within the brake traces may cause a spongy brake pedal. Bleed the brakes to take away any trapped air.
Observe: If bleeding the brakes doesn’t resolve the difficulty, there could also be a leak within the brake system. Examine the brake traces, grasp cylinder, and wheel cylinders for leaks.
2. Brake Pedal Pulsates
Pulsating brake pedal might be brought on by warped brake drums or rotors. Have the brake drums or rotors inspected and changed if vital.
Observe: Pulsating brake pedal can be brought on by uneven pad put on. Examine the brake pads and substitute them if they’re worn erratically.
3. Brake Pedal Is Arduous To Press
A tough brake pedal might be brought on by a defective brake booster or grasp cylinder. Examine the brake booster and grasp cylinder and substitute them if vital.
Observe: A tough brake pedal can be brought on by a seized caliper or wheel cylinder. Examine the calipers and wheel cylinders and substitute them if they’re seized.
4. Brake Pedal Goes To The Flooring
A brake pedal that goes to the ground might be brought on by a leak within the brake system. Examine the brake traces, grasp cylinder, and wheel cylinders for leaks.
Observe: A brake pedal that goes to the ground can be brought on by a defective brake booster or grasp cylinder. Examine the brake booster and grasp cylinder and substitute them if vital.
5. Brakes Squeal
Squealing brakes might be brought on by worn brake pads. Examine the brake pads and substitute them if they’re worn.
Observe: Squealing brakes can be brought on by a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and substitute the brake pads to resolve the difficulty.
6. Brakes Drag
Dragging brakes might be brought on by a seized caliper or wheel cylinder. Examine the calipers and wheel cylinders and substitute them if they’re seized.
Observe: Dragging brakes can be brought on by a defective brake booster or grasp cylinder. Examine the brake booster and grasp cylinder and substitute them if vital.
7. Brakes Lock Up
Locking brakes might be brought on by a defective proportioning valve or ABS module. Examine the proportioning valve and ABS module and substitute them if vital.
Observe: Locking brakes can be brought on by a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and substitute the brake pads to resolve the difficulty.
8. Brakes Really feel Unbalanced
Unbalanced brakes might be brought on by a defective brake proportioning valve or ABS module. Examine the proportioning valve and ABS module and substitute them if vital.
Observe: Unbalanced brakes can be brought on by a leak within the brake system. Examine the brake traces, grasp cylinder, and wheel cylinders for leaks.
9. Brakes Fade
Fading brakes might be brought on by overheated brake pads or rotors. Enable the brakes to chill down earlier than utilizing them once more.
Observe: Fading brakes can be brought on by a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and substitute the brake pads to resolve the difficulty.
10. Different Points
Along with the problems listed above, there are a variety of different issues that may happen with drum brakes. These embrace:
- Brake mud
- Glazed brake pads
- Cracked or damaged brake sneakers
- Seized brake adjusters
- Leaking wheel cylinders
- Defective parking brake cables
It is very important have your drum brakes inspected repeatedly by a certified mechanic to stop these issues from occurring.
How one can Alter a Drum Brake
Drum brakes are a sort of brake system that’s generally utilized in older automobiles. They’re additionally discovered on some newer automobiles, comparable to heavy-duty vehicles and trailers. Drum brakes work by utilizing a set of brake sneakers to press towards the within of a rotating drum. This creates friction, which slows down the automobile.
Drum brakes have to be adjusted periodically to make sure that they’re working correctly. It is a comparatively easy course of that may be achieved at dwelling with a number of primary instruments. To regulate drum brakes, you have to the next:
*
- A jack
- Jack stands
- A lug wrench
- A screwdriver
- A brake adjustment device
Upon getting gathered your instruments, observe these steps to regulate your drum brakes:
1.
Park your automobile on a degree floor and interact the parking brake.
2.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’ll be adjusting.
3.
Elevate the automobile utilizing the jack and safe it with the jack stands.
4.
Take away the lug nuts and wheel.
5.
Find the brake adjustment star wheel. It’s normally situated on the again of the brake backing plate.
6.
Insert the brake adjustment device into the star wheel and switch it till the brake sneakers simply make contact with the drum.
7.
Again off the star wheel 1/4 to 1/2 flip.
8.
Reinstall the wheel and lug nuts.
9.
Repeat steps 1-8 for the opposite wheel.
10.
Decrease the automobile and take away the jack stands.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How one can Alter a Drum Brake
What are the indicators that my drum brakes have to be adjusted?
There are a number of indicators that your drum brakes could have to be adjusted. These embrace:
- The brake pedal feels spongy.
- The automobile pulls to at least one facet when braking.
- The brakes make a squealing noise when utilized.
Can I alter drum brakes myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to alter drum brakes your self with a number of primary instruments. Nevertheless, in case you are not comfy working in your automobile, it’s best to have a certified mechanic alter your brakes.
How typically ought to I alter my drum brakes?
Drum brakes needs to be adjusted each 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Nevertheless, this may increasingly fluctuate relying in your driving habits and the situation of your brakes.
