Changing worn or broken drum brakes is an important job for sustaining optimum automobile efficiency and security. Whereas the method could appear daunting, it may be simplified right into a sequence of manageable steps. This information will present a complete walkthrough on how you can take away drum brakes, empowering you to deal with this job with confidence and effectivity.
Earlier than embarking on the removing course of, it’s crucial to collect the required instruments and supplies. These embrace lug wrenches, a jack and jack stands, a screwdriver, a hammer, and gloves. Moreover, a brake cleaner, anti-seize lubricant, and new brake sneakers ought to be acquired. Making certain you’ve all the required gear will stop delays and guarantee a easy removing course of.
To start, the automobile ought to be safely parked on a degree floor and the parking brake engaged. Utilizing a lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that corresponds to the drum brake you plan to take away. Bear in mind, don’t take away the lug nuts completely at this stage. Subsequent, use a jack to boost the automobile, making certain it’s securely supported by jack stands. Lastly, take away the lug nuts and detach the wheel from the automobile. With the wheel eliminated, you’ll be able to proceed to take away the drum brake.
Security Precautions
Working in your drum brakes could be a harmful job if correct security precautions usually are not taken. These precautions embrace:
- All the time park your automobile on a flat, steady floor. If doable, park it in a storage or different enclosed space to guard your self from the weather.
- Set the parking brake and chock the wheels. It will stop the automobile from rolling when you are engaged on it.
- Put on security glasses and gloves. It will defend your eyes and palms from flying particles.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts. It will make sure that the lug nuts are correctly tightened and that the wheels are securely connected to the automobile.
- By no means take away the drum brake sneakers with the automobile nonetheless on the bottom. This might trigger the brake sneakers to fall out and injure you.
- Pay attention to the brake fluid. Brake fluid is poisonous and may trigger pores and skin irritation. Keep away from contact with brake fluid, and for those who do come into contact with it, wash it off instantly with cleaning soap and water.
| Security Precautions |
|---|
| Park your automobile on a flat, steady floor. |
| Set the parking brake and chock the wheels. |
| Put on security glasses and gloves. |
| Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts. |
| By no means take away the drum brake sneakers with the automobile nonetheless on the bottom. |
| Pay attention to the brake fluid. |
Preparation and Device Gathering
Earlier than making an attempt to take away drum brakes, guarantee you’ve a protected and clutter-free workspace. Collect the required instruments and supplies listed under:
Instruments and Supplies Required:
| Merchandise | Description |
|---|---|
| Lug wrench | For loosening and tightening lug nuts |
| Drum brake software | Specialised software for eradicating drum brakes |
| C-clamp | For holding the brake sneakers in place |
| Hammer | For loosening frozen elements |
| Penetrating oil | For lubricating rusty elements |
| Wire brush | For cleansing brake elements |
| Security glasses | For eye safety |
| Gloves | For hand safety |
Moreover, make sure you seek advice from your automobile’s particular restore handbook for any further tips or security precautions associated to eradicating drum brakes.
Eradicating the Drums
To take away the drum brake drums, comply with these steps:
1. Help the wheel you might be engaged on with a jack stand.
2. Take away the lug nuts and wheel.
3. Find the brake drum retaining screws and take away them. There’ll sometimes be two or 4 screws, positioned across the perimeter of the drum. They could be lined by a rubber plug, which you will have to take away first.
[Detailed steps for removing the brake drum retaining screws:]
- Use a flathead screwdriver to fastidiously pry the rubber plug out of the outlet within the drum.
- Insert a Phillips head screwdriver or socket wrench into the screw and switch it counterclockwise to loosen it.
- As soon as the screw is unfastened, take away it by hand.
- Repeat this course of for the remaining screws.
4. As soon as the retaining screws are eliminated, the drum could be pulled off the axle. It could be needed to make use of a pry bar or hammer to assist break it unfastened.
5. Examine the drum for any indicators of wear and tear or injury. If the drum is broken, it ought to be changed.
Disconnecting the Brake Strains
Earlier than you disconnect the brake strains, it is necessary to take precautions to stop brake fluid from leaking. Place a drain pan underneath the brake strains and canopy any uncovered elements with rags or paper towels. You might also wish to put on gloves to guard your palms from brake fluid.
When you’re prepared, use a flare nut wrench or line wrench to loosen the brake line fittings. Watch out to not overtighten the fittings, as this will injury the strains. As soon as the fittings are unfastened, you’ll be able to fastidiously disconnect the brake strains from the wheel cylinders.
In the event you’re having hassle disconnecting the brake strains, you’ll be able to strive utilizing penetrating oil to loosen the fittings. Apply the penetrating oil to the fittings and let it sit for a couple of minutes earlier than attempting to loosen them. You might also want to make use of a pair of pliers that can assist you break the fittings unfastened.
As soon as the brake strains are disconnected, you’ll be able to take away the drum brakes. Watch out to not injury the brake sneakers or different elements while you’re eradicating the drum brakes.
| Brake Line Dimension | Flare Nut Dimension |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 10 mm |
| 5/16 inch | 12 mm |
| 3/8 inch | 14 mm |
Eradicating the Brake Sneakers and Springs
To take away the brake sneakers and is derived, you may want a couple of instruments:
- Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- 10mm socket wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Brake cleaner
After getting your instruments, comply with these steps:
- Park your automotive on a degree floor and interact the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you may be engaged on, however do not take away them fully.
- Jack up the automotive and safe it on jack stands.
- Take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Find the 2 brake sneakers and the springs that maintain them in place. The springs shall be connected to the backing plate and the brake sneakers.
There are two sorts of springs that maintain the brake sneakers in place:
Kind of Spring Location Maintain-down springs Connect the brake sneakers to the backing plate Return springs Pull the brake sneakers again away from the drum when the brake pedal is launched To take away the brake sneakers, you may must first take away the hold-down springs. Use a screwdriver to pry the springs off the backing plate.
As soon as the hold-down springs are eliminated, you’ll be able to take away the brake sneakers. Pull the brake sneakers straight again till they arrive off the backing plate. It’s possible you’ll want to make use of somewhat pressure to get them off.
As soon as the brake sneakers are eliminated, you’ll be able to take away the return springs. Use a screwdriver to pry the springs off the backing plate.
With the brake sneakers and is derived eliminated, now you can examine them for put on and tear. If the brake sneakers are worn down, they may have to be changed. If the springs are broken, they can even have to be changed.
Reattaching the Brake Sneakers and Springs
To reattach the brake sneakers and is derived, comply with these steps:
1. Hook the Return Spring
Find the return spring that holds the highest finish of the brake sneakers collectively. Hook the spring onto the highest of the brake shoe, making certain it’s securely in place.
2. Place the Brake Sneakers
Place the brake sneakers over the wheel cylinder pistons and align the brake lining with the brake drum. Push the sneakers into place, making certain they’re totally engaged with the wheel cylinder.
3. Set up the Maintain-Down Springs
Take the hold-down springs and find the slots on the backing plate. Insert the springs into the slots and hook them onto the brake sneakers. Maintain the springs in place and tighten them utilizing a socket wrench.
4. Set up the Adjuster Spring
Find the adjuster spring and the adjuster lever on the backing plate. Hook the spring onto the lever and pull it in the direction of the highest of the brake shoe. Tighten the spring utilizing a socket wrench.
5. Set up the Actuator Rod
Join the actuator rod to the parking brake lever on the backing plate. Make sure the rod is securely mounted and may transfer freely.
6. Adjusting the Brake Sneakers
Utilizing a flathead screwdriver, regulate the star wheel on the adjuster lever. Flip the wheel clockwise to tighten the sneakers and counterclockwise to loosen them. Regulate the sneakers till they make slight contact with the brake drum. This step is essential to make sure correct brake engagement and to stop dragging or squealing.
Adjustment Information Tighten sneakers till they flippantly drag on the drum, then again off 1/4 flip.
Reconnecting the Brake Strains
As soon as the brand new drum brakes have been put in, the brake strains have to be reconnected. It is a comparatively easy course of, however you will need to take your time and be sure that the strains are linked appropriately. Listed here are the steps concerned:
1. Clear the brake strains
Earlier than you join the brake strains, you will need to clear them to take away any filth or particles. You are able to do this with a brake cleaner or with some rubbing alcohol.
2. Set up the brake line fittings
The subsequent step is to put in the brake line fittings. These fittings will join the brake strains to the brake calipers.
3. Tighten the brake line fittings
As soon as the brake line fittings are put in, you might want to tighten them. You are able to do this with a wrench or a pair of pliers.
4. Bleed the brakes
After the brake strains are linked, you might want to bleed the brakes. It will take away any air from the brake strains.
5. Verify for leaks
As soon as the brakes are bled, you might want to verify for leaks. You are able to do this by making use of stress to the brake pedal and on the lookout for any leaks.
6. Check the brakes
The ultimate step is to check the brakes. You are able to do this by driving the automotive and making use of the brakes. Ensure that the brakes work correctly earlier than you drive the automotive on the highway.
7. Brake Line Security Ideas
Listed here are some further ideas for safely reconnecting brake strains:
– All the time use new brake strains when changing outdated ones.
– Ensure that the brake strains are the proper measurement to your automotive.
– Use a torque wrench to tighten the brake line fittings to the correct specification.
– Bleed the brakes completely to take away any air from the system.
– Verify for leaks and take a look at the brakes earlier than driving the automotive.Reinstalling the Drums
Begin by flippantly coating the within of the drum with a high-temperature brake grease. It will assist stop the sneakers from squeaking and also will assist to extend the lifetime of the brakes. Subsequent, fastidiously place the drum over the sneakers, ensuring that the sneakers match snugly into the drum. As soon as the drum is in place, use the lug nuts to tighten the drum onto the wheel hub. Be sure you tighten the lug nuts evenly, as overtightening can injury the drum or the wheel hub.
As soon as the drum is tight, you’ll be able to reinstall the brake line. Join the brake line to the brake cylinder on the again of the brake drum. Tighten the brake line becoming, however don’t overtighten it. As soon as the brake line is linked, you’ll be able to bleed the brakes to take away any air from the system.
Adjusting the Brakes
Earlier than driving the automobile, you will have to regulate the brakes. To do that, pump the brake pedal a number of occasions till it feels agency. Then, loosen the brake adjuster nut on the again of the brake drum. Flip the adjuster nut till you’re feeling a slight drag on the brake sneakers while you rotate the drum by hand. After getting adjusted the brakes, tighten the brake adjuster nut.
Testing the Brakes
Earlier than driving the automobile, take a look at the brakes to ensure they’re working correctly. To do that, drive the automobile in a protected space and apply the brakes firmly. The automobile ought to come to a easy, managed cease. If the automobile doesn’t cease easily, or if the brakes really feel spongy, you will have to regulate the brakes additional.
Drum Brake Adjustment Desk
Symptom Adjustment Brakes are too unfastened Tighten the brake adjuster nut Brakes are too tight Loosen the brake adjuster nut Brakes are grabbing Regulate the brake sneakers in order that they’re centered within the drum Brakes are squealing Apply a high-temperature brake grease to the within of the drum Bleed the Brake System
Bleeding the brake system ensures that each one air has been faraway from the system for correct brake operation. After finishing brake repairs, bleeding the brakes is an important step to revive full braking capabilities.
Supplies Required:
Device Function Bleeder wrench Unscrews the bleeder screw Clear plastic tubing Connects to the bleeder screw to gather brake fluid Bottle or jar Holds the brake fluid Steps:
- Fill the brake fluid reservoir with contemporary brake fluid.
- Find the bleeder screw on every wheel cylinder.
- Connect one finish of the plastic tubing to the bleeder screw.
- Submerge the opposite finish of the tubing in a bottle or jar full of a small quantity of brake fluid.
- Have an assistant slowly press down on the brake pedal and launch it.
- Whereas your assistant is holding the pedal down, slowly open the bleeder screw.
- Shut the bleeder screw as soon as a gentle stream of brake fluid is flowing by means of the tubing.
- Repeat the method for every wheel cylinder, following the proper brake bleeding sequence laid out in your automobile’s restore handbook.
- Optionally available (for superior customers): Use a vacuum-assisted bleeder software or a stress bleeder to evacuate air extra effectively from the system. These instruments create a suction or pressure brake fluid by means of the system, decreasing the necessity for handbook pumping. Consult with the producer’s directions for particular operation particulars.
Closing Inspection and Street Testing
1. Verify Brake Strains and Hoses
After reconnecting the brake strains, completely examine them for any leaks or injury. Fastidiously look at the connections and tighten any unfastened fittings.
2. High Up Brake Fluid
Verify the brake fluid degree and high up if needed. Guarantee it reaches the proper degree indicated on the grasp cylinder reservoir.
3. Verify Brake Pedal Really feel
Pump the brake pedal a number of occasions to construct up stress within the system. The pedal ought to really feel agency, with minimal sponginess or journey.
4. Check Brake Lights
Activate the brake pedal and make sure that the brake lights perform correctly. If they don’t illuminate, troubleshoot {the electrical} connections.
5. Verify Brake Efficiency
Take the automobile for a brief take a look at drive and punctiliously assess brake efficiency. The brakes ought to interact easily, with none pulling or vibration. If any points come up, repeat the inspection course of or search skilled help.
6. Street Check
Conduct an intensive highway take a look at to judge the general braking efficiency. Carry out arduous braking, emergency stops, and gradual stops to evaluate pedal really feel, stopping distance, and any potential points.
7. Monitor Brake Temperature
Throughout the highway take a look at, monitor brake temperature utilizing an infrared thermometer. Extreme warmth buildup can point out points with the brake system, resembling binding or dragging.
8. Verify Wheel Alignment
If the brake work concerned eradicating the wheels, make sure that the wheel alignment is checked and adjusted if needed. Misalignment can have an effect on brake efficiency and tire put on.
9. Examine Brake Pads and Drums
After a couple of days of driving, visually examine the brake pads and drums to make sure correct put on and call. If there’s uneven put on or extreme put on, additional adjustment or substitute could also be required.
10. Comply with-Up Checks and Upkeep
Commonly monitor the brake fluid degree, verify for leaks, and hear for any uncommon noises or vibrations throughout braking. Schedule periodic brake inspections and upkeep to make sure optimum efficiency and security.
How To Take away Drum Brakes
Supplies wanted:
- Jack or raise
- Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Duralast brake drum puller (or related)
- Hammer
- Flathead screwdriver
- Security glasses
Directions:
- Park the automobile on a degree floor and interact the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re engaged on, however don’t take away them fully.
- Elevate the automobile utilizing a jack or raise and assist it with jack stands.
- Take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Find the brake drum and examine it for any injury.
- If the brake drum is broken, it would have to be changed.
- To take away the brake drum, use a duralast brake drum puller (or related) to drag it off the axle.
- If the brake drum is caught, you’ll be able to faucet it with a hammer to loosen it.
- As soon as the brake drum is eliminated, you will have to take away the brake sneakers.
- To take away the brake sneakers, use a flathead screwdriver to pry them off the brake backing plate.
- As soon as the brake sneakers are eliminated, you’ll be able to take away the brake {hardware}.
- To take away the brake {hardware}, use a wrench to loosen the nuts that maintain it in place.
- As soon as the brake {hardware} is eliminated, you’ll be able to take away the brake drum meeting from the automobile.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Take away Drum Brakes
1. What are a few of the indicators that my drum brakes have to be changed?
Among the indicators that your drum brakes have to be changed embrace:
- Squealing or grinding noises when braking
- A pulsation within the brake pedal
- The brake pedal feels delicate or spongy
- The automobile pulls to 1 facet when braking
2. How usually ought to I’ve my drum brakes inspected?
It is best to have your drum brakes inspected at the least annually, or extra usually for those who drive in stop-and-go visitors or in hilly areas.
3. Can I exchange my drum brakes myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to exchange your drum brakes your self you probably have the correct instruments and expertise.
