Most fashionable vehicles have disc brakes, however many older automobiles nonetheless function drum brakes on the rear axle. Whereas drum brakes aren’t as highly effective or environment friendly as disc brakes, they’re simpler to keep up and will be simply as efficient for on a regular basis driving. If you could change the brake footwear or restore the wheel cylinder, you may must take away the drum brake meeting.
Eradicating a drum brake is a comparatively easy job that may be accomplished in about an hour. Listed here are the steps on tips on how to do it:
First, you may want to collect just a few instruments. You will want a lug wrench, a flathead screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a brake spring device. After getting your instruments, you can begin by loosening the lug nuts on the wheel that you just’re engaged on. Watch out to not loosen all of them the best way, or the wheel will fall off!
Gathering Vital Instruments and Security Gear
Instruments
To take away a drum brake, you will have the next instruments:
- Lug wrench
- Brake cleaner
- Drum brake puller
- Hammer and chisel
- Security glasses
- Gloves
- Jack and jack stands
Security Gear
When working in your automobile, you will need to put on applicable security gear to guard your self from damage. For this job, you will have:
- Security glasses
- Gloves
Along with the instruments and security tools listed above, you may additionally want a helper to help you in eradicating the drum brake.
Sliding Off the Backing Plate
With the brake meeting loosened up and lifted away from the axle, it is now time to slip the drum off the backing plate. Typically that is simpler stated than executed, as rust and corrosion over time can seize the drum to the backing plate. You should utilize a penetrating fluid or lubricant to assist loosen issues up, however watch out to not spray it onto the brake footwear or pads.
When you’re glad that the drum is unfastened, use a slide hammer or pry bar to rigorously pry it off the backing plate. You’ll want to help the drum along with your different hand to forestall it from falling. As soon as the drum is off, examine the backing plate and brake footwear for any injury or put on and tear. Word: In case you’re having hassle getting the drum off, chances are you’ll must take away the brake footwear first. Seek the advice of your automobile’s service guide for particular directions.
Step-by-Step Directions for Sliding Off the Backing Plate
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find the cotter pin or break up pin that secures the citadel nut to the axle. Take away the cotter pin or break up pin utilizing a pair of pliers. |
| 2 | Loosen the citadel nut by turning it counterclockwise utilizing a socket wrench or wrench. |
| 3 | Take away the citadel nut and washer from the axle. |
| 4 | Gently elevate the brake meeting away from the axle. Watch out to not injury the brake traces or wires. |
| 5 | Use a slide hammer or pry bar to rigorously pry the drum off the backing plate. |
| 6 | Assist the drum along with your different hand to forestall it from falling. Examine the backing plate and brake footwear for any injury or put on and tear. |
Take away Brake Footwear
Step 1: Maintain the Drum Brake Meeting Steady
All the time guarantee the soundness of the drum brake meeting earlier than eradicating the brake footwear. Use a pair of jack stands to offer help and forestall the meeting from rotating or coming aside when eradicating the brake footwear.
Step 2: Take away the Spring Retainer
Subsequent, find the spring retainer, which holds the brake footwear in place, and take away the washer and clip that maintain it. In some automobiles, you may additionally discover a spring connected to the brake shoe.
Disconnect the spring from the shoe with a pair of pliers.
Step 3: Take away the Brake Shoe Maintain-Down Pins
Now, you could take away the brake shoe hold-down pins. On some automobiles, the pins are linked with cotter pins, which you’ll be able to simply detach utilizing pliers. In different automobiles, there could also be springs holding the pins in place. Use needle-nose pliers to take away them whereas being cautious to not injury the springs.
Step 4: Take away the Brake Footwear
As soon as the hold-down pins are eliminated, you’ll be able to detach the brake footwear from the backing plate. To do that, use your fingers or a small pry bar and gently pull the footwear away from the backing plate. Be cautious to not injury the brake footwear or the backing plate throughout this course of.
Reconnecting the Brake Line and Wheel
1.Find the brake line becoming on the again of the wheel cylinder.
2. Use a wrench to loosen the brake line becoming. Watch out to not injury the brake line.
3. Pull the brake line off the wheel cylinder.
4. Examine the brake line for any injury. If the brake line is broken, it should be changed.
5. Apply a small quantity of brake fluid to the top of the brake line.
6. Push the brake line again onto the wheel cylinder.
7. Tighten the brake line becoming utilizing a wrench.
8. Reconnect the brake caliper to the wheel hub.
9. Tighten the brake caliper bolts.
10. Set up the brake rotor onto the wheel hub. Bolt the rotor onto the hubs following the producer’s torque specs.
| Tightening Sequence | Torque |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Tighten the bolts to 1/3 of the required torque in a criss-cross sample | N/A |
| Step 2: Tighten the bolts to 2/3 of the required torque in a criss-cross sample | N/A |
| Step 3: Tighten the bolts to the required torque in a criss-cross sample | Consult with automobile specs |
11. Set up the brake caliper over the brake rotor.
12. Safe the brake caliper utilizing the caliper bracket bolts. Once more, comply with a star sequence and torque the caliper bracket bolts to the producer’s specs.
13. Set up the brake pads into the caliper bracket. Be certain the pads are seated correctly.
14. Insert the caliper pins into the caliper bracket and safe them with the cotter pins.
15. Join the brake line to the brake caliper.
16. Pump the brake pedal a number of occasions to take away any air from the brake traces.
17. Examine the brake fluid stage and add fluid as obligatory.
18. Check the brakes to make sure they’re working correctly.
How To Take A Drum Brake Off
Drum brakes are a kind of brake that’s used on many automobiles, together with vehicles, vans, and bikes. They work by utilizing a set of brake footwear to press in opposition to the within of a rotating drum. This creates friction, which slows down or stops the automobile.
If you could take away a drum brake, you will need to comply with the right process. This may assist to make sure that the brake is eliminated safely and with out damaging any of the elements.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Collect your instruments. You’ll need a lug wrench, a jack, a jack stand, a pair of pliers, and a screwdriver.
2. Loosen the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re engaged on. Don’t take away the lug nuts fully at this level.
3. Jack up the automobile. Use the jack to jack up the automobile. Place the jack stand beneath the body of the automobile, subsequent to the wheel that you’re engaged on.
4. Take away the wheel. Take away the lug nuts fully after which pull the wheel off of the hub.
5. Take away the brake drum. Use the pliers to take away the cotter pin that’s holding the brake drum in place. Then, use the screwdriver to pry the brake drum off of the hub.
6. Examine the brake footwear. As soon as the brake drum is eliminated, it is possible for you to to see the brake footwear. Examine the brake footwear for put on or injury. If the brake footwear are worn or broken, they’ll must be changed.
7. Reassemble the brake. If the brake footwear are in good situation, you’ll be able to reassemble the brake. To do that, merely reverse the steps that you just took to take away the brake.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do I do know if my drum brakes must be changed?
There are just a few indicators that will point out that your drum brakes must be changed. These indicators embody:
-
- A lower in braking efficiency
- A grinding noise whenever you brake
- A pulsation within the brake pedal
- Leaking brake fluid
How a lot does it value to interchange drum brakes?
The price of changing drum brakes will fluctuate relying on the make and mannequin of your automobile, in addition to the labor prices in your space. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $100 and $300 for an entire brake job.
Can I change drum brakes myself?
It’s potential to interchange drum brakes your self, however you will need to have some mechanical expertise earlier than making an attempt this job. If you’re not snug working in your automobile, it’s best to take it to a mechanic.
