Changing worn or broken drum brakes is an important process for sustaining optimum automobile efficiency and security. Whereas the method could seem daunting, it may be simplified right into a sequence of manageable steps. This information will present a complete walkthrough on the way to take away drum brakes, empowering you to deal with this process with confidence and effectivity.
Earlier than embarking on the elimination course of, it’s crucial to collect the mandatory instruments and supplies. These embody lug wrenches, a jack and jack stands, a screwdriver, a hammer, and gloves. Moreover, a brake cleaner, anti-seize lubricant, and new brake footwear must be acquired. Making certain you’ve all the mandatory gear will stop delays and guarantee a easy elimination course of.
To start, the automobile must be safely parked on a stage floor and the parking brake engaged. Utilizing a lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that corresponds to the drum brake you propose to take away. Keep in mind, don’t take away the lug nuts fully 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 may proceed to take away the drum brake.
Security Precautions
Working in your drum brakes generally is a harmful process if correct security precautions are usually not taken. These precautions embody:
- All the time park your automobile on a flat, secure floor. If attainable, 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 fingers 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 footwear with the automobile nonetheless on the bottom. This might trigger the brake footwear to fall out and injure you.
- Pay attention to the brake fluid. Brake fluid is poisonous and might 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, secure 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 footwear 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 mandatory instruments and supplies listed beneath:
Instruments and Supplies Required:
| Merchandise | Description |
|---|---|
| Lug wrench | For loosening and tightening lug nuts |
| Drum brake instrument | Specialised instrument for eradicating drum brakes |
| C-clamp | For holding the brake footwear in place |
| Hammer | For loosening frozen elements |
| Penetrating oil | For lubricating rusty parts |
| Wire brush | For cleansing brake parts |
| Security glasses | For eye safety |
| Gloves | For hand safety |
Moreover, make sure you seek advice from your automobile’s particular restore guide for any extra 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’re 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 usually be two or 4 screws, positioned across the perimeter of the drum. They could be lined by a rubber plug, which you will want 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 might be pulled off the axle. It could be vital 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 harm. If the drum is broken, it must be changed.
Disconnecting the Brake Strains
Earlier than you disconnect the brake strains, it is necessary to take precautions to forestall brake fluid from leaking. Place a drain pan beneath the brake strains and canopy any uncovered elements with rags or paper towels. You may additionally need to put on gloves to guard your fingers 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 may harm the strains. As soon as the fittings are unfastened, you may fastidiously disconnect the brake strains from the wheel cylinders.
In the event you’re having bother disconnecting the brake strains, you may attempt 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 may additionally want to make use of a pair of pliers that will help you break the fittings unfastened.
As soon as the brake strains are disconnected, you may take away the drum brakes. Watch out to not harm the brake footwear or different parts whenever you’re eradicating the drum brakes.
| Brake Line Measurement | Flare Nut Measurement |
|---|---|
| 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 footwear and comes, 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 stage floor and interact the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you may be engaged on, however do not take away them utterly.
- Jack up the automotive and safe it on jack stands.
- Take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Find the 2 brake footwear and the springs that maintain them in place. The springs will likely be connected to the backing plate and the brake footwear.
There are two forms of springs that maintain the brake footwear in place:
Sort of Spring Location Maintain-down springs Connect the brake footwear to the backing plate Return springs Pull the brake footwear again away from the drum when the brake pedal is launched To take away the brake footwear, you may have to 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 may take away the brake footwear. Pull the brake footwear straight again till they arrive off the backing plate. You might want to make use of slightly power to get them off.
As soon as the brake footwear are eliminated, you may take away the return springs. Use a screwdriver to pry the springs off the backing plate.
With the brake footwear and comes eliminated, now you can examine them for put on and tear. If the brake footwear are worn down, they are going to should be changed. If the springs are broken, they may even should be changed.
Reattaching the Brake Sneakers and Springs
To reattach the brake footwear and comes, comply with these steps:
1. Hook the Return Spring
Find the return spring that holds the highest finish of the brake footwear 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 footwear over the wheel cylinder pistons and align the brake lining with the brake drum. Push the footwear 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 footwear. 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 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 might 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 footwear and counterclockwise to loosen them. Modify the footwear till they make slight contact with the brake drum. This step is essential to make sure correct brake engagement and to forestall dragging or squealing.
Adjustment Information Tighten footwear till they frivolously 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 should be reconnected. This can be a comparatively easy course of, however you will need to take your time and make it possible for the strains are linked accurately. Listed below 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 grime 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 following 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, it is advisable 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, it is advisable to bleed the brakes. It will take away any air from the brake strains.
5. Examine for leaks
As soon as the brakes are bled, it is advisable to test for leaks. You are able to do this by making use of strain to the brake pedal and in search of any leaks.
6. Take a look at 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. Make it possible for the brakes work correctly earlier than you drive the automotive on the highway.
7. Brake Line Security Suggestions
Listed below are some extra suggestions for safely reconnecting brake strains:
– All the time use new brake strains when changing previous ones.
– Make it possible for the brake strains are the proper measurement in your automotive.
– Use a torque wrench to tighten the brake line fittings to the right specification.
– Bleed the brakes totally to take away any air from the system.
– Examine for leaks and take a look at the brakes earlier than driving the automotive.Reinstalling the Drums
Begin by frivolously coating the within of the drum with a high-temperature brake grease. It will assist stop the footwear from squeaking and also will assist to delay the lifetime of the brakes. Subsequent, fastidiously place the drum over the footwear, ensuring that the footwear 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. Make sure to tighten the lug nuts evenly, as overtightening can harm the drum or the wheel hub.
As soon as the drum is tight, you may 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 may bleed the brakes to take away any air from the system.
Adjusting the Brakes
Earlier than driving the automobile, you will want to regulate the brakes. To do that, pump the brake pedal a number of instances till it feels agency. Then, loosen the brake adjuster nut on the again of the brake drum. Flip the adjuster nut till you are feeling a slight drag on the brake footwear whenever 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 want 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 Modify the brake footwear 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 every 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 recent 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 gradual stream of brake fluid is flowing via the tubing.
- Repeat the method for every wheel cylinder, following the proper brake bleeding sequence laid out in your automobile’s restore guide.
- Non-obligatory (for superior customers): Use a vacuum-assisted bleeder instrument or a strain bleeder to evacuate air extra effectively from the system. These instruments create a suction or power brake fluid via the system, lowering the necessity for guide pumping. Seek advice from the producer’s directions for particular operation particulars.
Ultimate Inspection and Highway Testing
1. Examine Brake Strains and Hoses
After reconnecting the brake strains, totally examine them for any leaks or harm. Fastidiously look at the connections and tighten any unfastened fittings.
2. Prime Up Brake Fluid
Examine the brake fluid stage and high up if vital. Guarantee it reaches the proper stage indicated on the grasp cylinder reservoir.
3. Examine Brake Pedal Really feel
Pump the brake pedal a number of instances to construct up strain within the system. The pedal ought to really feel agency, with minimal sponginess or journey.
4. Take a look at 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. Examine Brake Efficiency
Take the automobile for a brief take a look at drive and thoroughly assess brake efficiency. The brakes ought to have interaction easily, with none pulling or vibration. If any points come up, repeat the inspection course of or search skilled help.
6. Highway Take a look at
Conduct an intensive highway take a look at to judge the general braking efficiency. Carry out onerous braking, emergency stops, and gradual stops to evaluate pedal really feel, stopping distance, and any potential points.
7. Monitor Brake Temperature
In the course of the highway take a look at, monitor brake temperature utilizing an infrared thermometer. Extreme warmth buildup can point out points with the brake system, akin to binding or dragging.
8. Examine Wheel Alignment
If the brake work concerned eradicating the wheels, make sure that the wheel alignment is checked and adjusted if vital. 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 phone. If there may be uneven put on or extreme put on, additional adjustment or substitute could also be required.
10. Comply with-Up Checks and Upkeep
Repeatedly monitor the brake fluid stage, test for leaks, and pay attention 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 stage floor and interact the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re engaged on, however don’t take away them utterly.
- Elevate the automobile utilizing a jack or raise and help it with jack stands.
- Take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Find the brake drum and examine it for any harm.
- If the brake drum is broken, it would should 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 may faucet it with a hammer to loosen it.
- As soon as the brake drum is eliminated, you will want to take away the brake footwear.
- To take away the brake footwear, use a flathead screwdriver to pry them off the brake backing plate.
- As soon as the brake footwear are eliminated, you may 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 may take away the brake drum meeting from the automobile.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Take away Drum Brakes
1. What are among the indicators that my drum brakes should be changed?
A number of the indicators that your drum brakes should be changed embody:
- Squealing or grinding noises when braking
- A pulsation within the brake pedal
- The brake pedal feels gentle or spongy
- The automobile pulls to at least one aspect when braking
2. How usually ought to I’ve my drum brakes inspected?
It’s 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 substitute my drum brakes myself?
Sure, you may substitute your drum brakes your self if in case you have the right instruments and expertise.
