Adjusting drum brakes is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished with a number of fundamental instruments. Nevertheless, it is very important observe the steps fastidiously to make sure that the brakes are correctly adjusted. Failure to take action may end in 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’ll need to collect a number of instruments. These embody a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a screwdriver, and a brake adjusting device. After you have your instruments, you’ll be able to start the method. Subsequent, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you may be adjusting. Don’t take away the lug nuts fully.
Now, use the jack to boost the car and place the jack stands below the body. As soon as the car 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 often situated on the again of the brake backing plate. Use the brake adjusting device to show the star wheel. You will have to show the star wheel within the route that’s indicated by the arrow on the brake backing plate. As you flip the star wheel, you’ll really feel the brake footwear transfer nearer to the brake drum. Proceed turning the star wheel till the brake footwear are simply touching the brake drum.
Inspecting the Brake System
Earlier than adjusting the drum brakes, it is essential to totally examine the brake system to determine any potential points. This inspection includes a number of key steps to make sure the right functioning and security of your car’s braking system.
1. Visible Examination:
Start by visually inspecting all elements of the brake system, together with the brake calipers, pads, rotors, brake traces, and hoses. Search for any indicators of damage, injury, or leaks. Verify the brake fluid degree and situation, guaranteeing it’s on the right degree and freed from contamination.
2. Brake Pad Thickness:
Examine the brake pad thickness. Worn brake pads can scale back braking effectiveness and result in injury to the rotors. Seek advice from your car proprietor’s handbook or seek the advice of a mechanic to find out the minimal really useful thickness to your brake pads.
3. Brake Rotor Situation:
Look at the brake rotors for any seen injury, similar to cracks, warping, or extreme put on. Warped rotors could cause vibration throughout braking, whereas cracked rotors can compromise the integrity of the brake system.
4. Brake Line and Hose Inspection:
Verify the brake traces and hoses for any indicators of harm, 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 Crucial Instruments
Instruments Required:
To start adjusting your drum brakes, you will want to collect the next instruments:
| – Jack stands | – Lug wrench |
| – Socket wrench or mixture wrench | – Brake cleaner |
| – Brake spring device | – Drum brake adjusting spoon |
| – Feeler gauge (non-compulsory) | – Anti-seize compound (non-compulsory) |
Further Instruments for Extra Thorough Upkeep:
Along with the important instruments listed above, you may additionally need to think about gathering the next for a extra thorough brake inspection and restore:
- Brake pads
- Brake footwear
- Brake {hardware} equipment
- 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 car on a degree, secure floor.
- Interact the parking brake.
- Place wheel chocks behind the wheels reverse those you will be engaged on.
- Put on security glasses and gloves.
Loosening the Brake Drums
Earlier than you’ll be able to regulate the drum brakes, you should loosen the brake drums. To do that, you’ll need a wheel brace or lug wrench.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the brake drum you should regulate. Don’t take away them fully.
- Raise the automotive 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 metallic half that’s connected 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 you should regulate.
As soon as the brake drums are free, you’ll be able to regulate them to the right 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’ll need to jack up the car and take away the wheel. As soon as the wheel is eliminated, you will note a big metallic drum that’s connected to the wheel hub. To take away the drum, you’ll need 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 tug the drum off of the wheel hub.
There are some things to remember when eradicating the drums. First, the drums will be heavy, so watch out when lifting them. Second, the drums could also be rusted or corroded, so it’s possible 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 below 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 car 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 will want the next instruments:
- Flathead screwdriver
- 10mm socket wrench
Steps
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Park your automotive on a degree floor and have interaction the parking brake.
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Find the star wheel by way of the entry gap within the backing plate behind every wheel. It is usually situated on the backside of the brake drum.
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Insert the flathead screwdriver into the star wheel’s enamel and switch the wheel down (counterclockwise) to loosen the brake footwear, 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 footwear 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, regulate the star wheel down additional. If it is too massive, regulate the star wheel up barely.
- Repeat this course of till you obtain the specified clearance.
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As soon as the brake footwear 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 includes retightening the locknut that secures the brake footwear in place. This step is essential to make sure that the brakes operate correctly and forestall any potential security hazards.
1. Tightening the Locknut
Utilizing an applicable wrench or socket, fastidiously tighten the locknut on the brake shoe adjuster. You will need to keep away from overtightening the locknut, as this could injury the adjuster or the brake footwear. Purpose for a agency and safe match that enables 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 footwear ought to flippantly contact the brake drum, offering a slight resistance to rotation. If the brakes are too tight, the wheel shall 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 footwear 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. Making certain 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 aren’t utilized and cease or decelerate successfully when the brakes are engaged. If you happen to 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: Interact 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. Rigorously 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 footwear. If they’re caught, faucet them gently with a hammer and chisel.
5. Examine the Brake Footwear: Verify the brake footwear for put on, injury, or contamination. If obligatory, exchange the worn-out brake footwear.
6. Clear the Backing Plate: Take away any filth, 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 footwear and onto the axle hub.
9. Reattach the Backing Plate: Rigorously 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 required torque.
11. Bleed the Brakes: If obligatory, bleed the brakes to take away any air which will have entered the brake system through the substitute course of.
12. Take a look at Drive: Take the car 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
After you have made the changes, it is essential to check them to make sure they’re right. Here is how one can do it:
9. Testing the Drum Brake Changes in Element
To totally take a look at the drum brake changes, observe these steps:
- Verify for extreme brake drag: Drive the car and apply mild stress to the brakes. If the car pulls to at least one aspect or the brakes really feel sluggish, it signifies extreme brake drag.
- Verify for uneven braking: Apply the brakes firmly and observe the car’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 which 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 footwear and examine the distinction in put on between the first and secondary footwear. There needs to be a noticeable distinction, indicating correct adjustment.
- Verify even contact between brake footwear and drum: With the brake footwear put in, examine the contact floor between the footwear and the within of the brake drum. The contact needs to be even across the total circumference.
- Measure the brake drum diameter: Use a brake drum micrometer to measure the diameter of the brake drum and examine it to the specs supplied by the car producer. Make sure that the drum is inside acceptable tolerances.
- Confirm brake shoe clearance: With the brake footwear put in and the star wheel adjuster free, test the clearance between the footwear and the drum. This clearance ought to meet the producer’s specs to make sure correct operation.
If any of those assessments point out an issue with the brake changes, it is essential to re-adjust the brakes and retest them till correct operation is achieved.
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
1. Brake Pedal Feels Spongy
Air within the brake traces could cause a spongy brake pedal. Bleed the brakes to take away any trapped air.
Notice: If bleeding the brakes doesn’t resolve the problem, 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 will be attributable to warped brake drums or rotors. Have the brake drums or rotors inspected and changed if obligatory.
Notice: Pulsating brake pedal will also be attributable to uneven pad put on. Examine the brake pads and exchange them if they’re worn erratically.
3. Brake Pedal Is Arduous To Press
A tough brake pedal will be attributable to a defective brake booster or grasp cylinder. Examine the brake booster and grasp cylinder and exchange them if obligatory.
Notice: A tough brake pedal will also be attributable to a seized caliper or wheel cylinder. Examine the calipers and wheel cylinders and exchange them if they’re seized.
4. Brake Pedal Goes To The Ground
A brake pedal that goes to the ground will be attributable to a leak within the brake system. Examine the brake traces, grasp cylinder, and wheel cylinders for leaks.
Notice: A brake pedal that goes to the ground will also be attributable to a defective brake booster or grasp cylinder. Examine the brake booster and grasp cylinder and exchange them if obligatory.
5. Brakes Squeal
Squealing brakes will be attributable to worn brake pads. Examine the brake pads and exchange them if they’re worn.
Notice: Squealing brakes will also be attributable to a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and exchange the brake pads to resolve the problem.
6. Brakes Drag
Dragging brakes will be attributable to a seized caliper or wheel cylinder. Examine the calipers and wheel cylinders and exchange them if they’re seized.
Notice: Dragging brakes will also be attributable to a defective brake booster or grasp cylinder. Examine the brake booster and grasp cylinder and exchange them if obligatory.
7. Brakes Lock Up
Locking brakes will be attributable to a defective proportioning valve or ABS module. Examine the proportioning valve and ABS module and exchange them if obligatory.
Notice: Locking brakes will also be attributable to a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and exchange the brake pads to resolve the problem.
8. Brakes Really feel Unbalanced
Unbalanced brakes will be attributable to a defective brake proportioning valve or ABS module. Examine the proportioning valve and ABS module and exchange them if obligatory.
Notice: Unbalanced brakes will also be attributable to a leak within the brake system. Examine the brake traces, grasp cylinder, and wheel cylinders for leaks.
9. Brakes Fade
Fading brakes will be attributable to overheated brake pads or rotors. Enable the brakes to chill down earlier than utilizing them once more.
Notice: Fading brakes will also be attributable to a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and exchange the brake pads to resolve the problem.
10. Different Points
Along with the problems listed above, there are a selection of different issues that may happen with drum brakes. These embody:
- Brake mud
- Glazed brake pads
- Cracked or damaged brake footwear
- Seized brake adjusters
- Leaking wheel cylinders
- Defective parking brake cables
You will need to have your drum brakes inspected repeatedly by a certified mechanic to forestall these issues from occurring.
The way to Alter a Drum Brake
Drum brakes are a kind of brake system that’s generally utilized in older autos. They’re additionally discovered on some newer autos, similar to heavy-duty vehicles and trailers. Drum brakes work through the use of a set of brake footwear to press in opposition to the within of a rotating drum. This creates friction, which slows down the car.
Drum brakes should be adjusted periodically to make sure that they’re working correctly. It is a comparatively easy course of that may be carried out at dwelling with a number of fundamental instruments. To regulate drum brakes, you’ll need the next:
*
- A jack
- Jack stands
- A lug wrench
- A screwdriver
- A brake adjustment device
After you have gathered your instruments, observe these steps to regulate your drum brakes:
1.
Park your car on a degree floor and have interaction the parking brake.
2.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you may be adjusting.
3.
Elevate the car 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 often 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 footwear 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 car and take away the jack stands.
Folks Additionally Ask About The way to Alter a Drum Brake
What are the indicators that my drum brakes should be adjusted?
There are a number of indicators that your drum brakes could should be adjusted. These embody:
- The brake pedal feels spongy.
- The car pulls to at least one aspect when braking.
- The brakes make a squealing noise when utilized.
Can I regulate drum brakes myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to regulate drum brakes your self with a number of fundamental instruments. Nevertheless, in case you are not snug working in your car, it’s best to have a certified mechanic regulate your brakes.
How usually ought to I regulate 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.
