Changing worn or broken drum brakes is a vital activity 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 find out how to take away drum brakes, empowering you to sort out this activity with confidence and effectivity.
Earlier than embarking on the removing course of, it’s crucial to assemble 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 footwear must be acquired. Making certain you’ve got all the required gear will stop delays and guarantee a clean removing 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. Bear in mind, don’t take away the lug nuts solely 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 activity if correct security precautions should not taken. These precautions embrace:
- At all times park your automobile on a flat, steady 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 if 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.
- Concentrate on the brake fluid. Brake fluid is poisonous and may trigger pores and skin irritation. Keep away from contact with brake fluid, and in the event you 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 footwear with the automobile nonetheless on the bottom. |
| Concentrate on the brake fluid. |
Preparation and Instrument Gathering
Earlier than making an attempt to take away drum brakes, guarantee you’ve got a secure and clutter-free workspace. Collect the required 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 components |
| 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 check with 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, observe 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 usually be two or 4 screws, positioned across the perimeter of the drum. They might be coated 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 rigorously pry the rubber plug out of the opening 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 free, take away it by hand.
- Repeat this course of for the remaining screws.
4. As soon as the retaining screws are eliminated, the drum will be pulled off the axle. It might be obligatory to make use of a pry bar or hammer to assist break it free.
5. Examine the drum for any indicators of damage or harm. If the drum is broken, it must be changed.
Disconnecting the Brake Traces
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 components with rags or paper towels. You might also 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 will harm the strains. As soon as the fittings are free, you’ll be able to rigorously disconnect the brake strains from the wheel cylinders.
If you happen to’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 free.
As soon as the brake strains are disconnected, you’ll be able to take away the drum brakes. Watch out to not harm the brake footwear or different elements while 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 will want just a few instruments:
- Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- 10mm socket wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Brake cleaner
Upon getting your instruments, observe these steps:
- Park your automotive on a stage floor and interact the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you will 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 varieties of springs that maintain the brake footwear in place:
Kind 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 will 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’ll be able to take away the brake footwear. Pull the brake footwear straight again till they arrive off the backing plate. Chances are you’ll want to make use of just a little pressure to get them off.
As soon as the brake footwear 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 footwear and comes eliminated, now you can examine them for put on and tear. If the brake footwear are worn down, they’ll have to be changed. If the springs are broken, they will even have to be changed.
Reattaching the Brake Sneakers and Springs
To reattach the brake footwear and comes, observe 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 absolutely 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 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 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 Traces
As soon as the brand new drum brakes have been put in, the brake strains have to be reconnected. This can be a comparatively easy course of, however you will need to take your time and guarantee 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 dust 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. Test for leaks
As soon as the brakes are bled, it is advisable 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. 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. Guarantee that the brakes work correctly earlier than you drive the automotive on the street.
7. Brake Line Security Suggestions
Listed here are some further ideas for safely reconnecting brake strains:
– At all times use new brake strains when changing outdated ones.
– Guarantee that the brake strains are the right dimension in 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.
– Test 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, rigorously 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. You should definitely tighten the lug nuts evenly, as overtightening can harm 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 are feeling a slight drag on the brake footwear while you rotate the drum by hand. Upon getting adjusted the brakes, tighten the brake adjuster nut.
Testing the Brakes
Earlier than driving the automobile, take a look at the brakes to verify they’re working correctly. To do that, drive the automobile in a secure space and apply the brakes firmly. The automobile ought to come to a clean, 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 free 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 a vital step to revive full braking capabilities.
Supplies Required:
Instrument Objective 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 via the tubing.
- Repeat the method for every wheel cylinder, following the right brake bleeding sequence laid out in your automobile’s restore handbook.
- Elective (for superior customers): Use a vacuum-assisted bleeder instrument or a stress bleeder to evacuate air extra effectively from the system. These instruments create a suction or pressure brake fluid via the system, lowering the necessity for handbook pumping. Check with the producer’s directions for particular operation particulars.
Last Inspection and Highway Testing
1. Test Brake Traces and Hoses
After reconnecting the brake strains, completely examine them for any leaks or harm. Fastidiously look at the connections and tighten any free fittings.
2. Prime Up Brake Fluid
Test the brake fluid stage and prime up if obligatory. Guarantee it reaches the right stage indicated on the grasp cylinder reservoir.
3. Test 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. Take a look at Brake Lights
Activate the brake pedal and make sure that the brake lights operate correctly. If they don’t illuminate, troubleshoot {the electrical} connections.
5. Test Brake Efficiency
Take the automobile for a brief take a look at drive and thoroughly 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. Highway Take a look at
Conduct an intensive street 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 street take a look at, monitor brake temperature utilizing an infrared thermometer. Extreme warmth buildup can point out points with the brake system, comparable to binding or dragging.
8. Test Wheel Alignment
If the brake work concerned eradicating the wheels, make sure that the wheel alignment is checked and adjusted if obligatory. Misalignment can have an effect on brake efficiency and tire put on.
9. Examine Brake Pads and Drums
After just a few days of driving, visually examine the brake pads and drums to make sure correct put on and call. 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
Frequently monitor the brake fluid stage, 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 comparable)
- 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.
- Increase 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’s going to have to be changed.
- To take away the brake drum, use a duralast brake drum puller (or comparable) 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 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’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.
Individuals 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 smooth or spongy
- The automobile pulls to 1 facet when braking
2. How typically ought to I’ve my drum brakes inspected?
You must have your drum brakes inspected not less than yearly, or extra typically in the event you 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 when you’ve got the correct instruments and abilities.
