Changing worn or broken drum brakes is an important activity 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 the way to take away drum brakes, empowering you to deal with this activity 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 might have all the mandatory tools will stop delays and guarantee a clean elimination course of.
To start, the automobile must 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. Keep in mind, don’t take away the lug nuts totally at this stage. Subsequent, use a jack to lift 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 possibly can proceed to take away the drum brake.
Security Precautions
Working in your drum brakes could be a harmful activity if correct security precautions will not be taken. These precautions embody:
- At all times park your automobile on a flat, steady floor. If potential, park it in a storage or different enclosed space to guard your self from the weather.
- Set the parking brake and chock the wheels. This may stop the automobile from rolling while you’re engaged on it.
- Put on security glasses and gloves. This may defend your eyes and palms from flying particles.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts. This may make sure that the lug nuts are correctly tightened and that the wheels are securely hooked up 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 when 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. |
| Pay attention to the brake fluid. |
Preparation and Instrument Gathering
Earlier than making an attempt to take away drum brakes, guarantee you might have a secure and clutter-free workspace. Collect the mandatory instruments and supplies listed under:
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 handbook 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, situated across the perimeter of the drum. They could 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 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 will be pulled off the axle. It might 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 must be changed.
Disconnecting the Brake Strains
Earlier than you disconnect the brake strains, it is vital 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 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 possibly can rigorously disconnect the brake strains from the wheel cylinders.
When you’re having bother disconnecting the brake strains, you possibly can 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 will help you break the fittings unfastened.
As soon as the brake strains are disconnected, you possibly can take away the drum brakes. Watch out to not injury the brake footwear or different parts 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 Footwear 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, comply with these steps:
- Park your automotive on a degree floor and have interaction the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you will 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 footwear and the springs that maintain them in place. The springs can be hooked up to the backing plate and the brake footwear.
There are two forms 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 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 possibly can 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 slightly power to get them off.
As soon as the brake footwear are eliminated, you possibly can 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 should be changed. If the springs are broken, they can even should be changed.
Reattaching the Brake Footwear 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 Footwear
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 might transfer freely.
6. Adjusting the Brake Footwear
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. Alter 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 calmly 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. It is a comparatively easy course of, however you will need to take your time and guarantee that the strains are related accurately. 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 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, it’s good 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 related, it’s good to bleed the brakes. This may take away any air from the brake strains.
5. Examine for leaks
As soon as the brakes are bled, it’s good to verify 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. Ensure that the brakes work correctly earlier than you drive the automotive on the street.
7. Brake Line Security Ideas
Listed here are some extra ideas for safely reconnecting brake strains:
– At all times use new brake strains when changing outdated ones.
– Ensure that the brake strains are the proper dimension to 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 calmly coating the within of the drum with a high-temperature brake grease. This may 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. 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 possibly can 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 related, you possibly can 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 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 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 unfastened Tighten the brake adjuster nut Brakes are too tight Loosen the brake adjuster nut Brakes are grabbing Alter 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 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:
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 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 handbook.
- 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, decreasing the necessity for handbook pumping. Seek advice from the producer’s directions for particular operation particulars.
Last Inspection and Street Testing
1. Examine Brake Strains and Hoses
After reconnecting the brake strains, totally examine them for any leaks or injury. Fastidiously study the connections and tighten any unfastened fittings.
2. High Up Brake Fluid
Examine the brake fluid degree and high up if needed. Guarantee it reaches the proper degree 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 operate 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 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 Take a look at
Conduct a radical street take a look at to guage the general braking efficiency. Carry out laborious braking, emergency stops, and gradual stops to evaluate pedal really feel, stopping distance, and any potential points.
7. Monitor Brake Temperature
Throughout the street take a look at, monitor brake temperature utilizing an infrared thermometer. Extreme warmth buildup can point out points with the brake system, equivalent 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 needed. 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 alternative could also be required.
10. Observe-Up Checks and Upkeep
Frequently monitor the brake fluid degree, verify 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 carry
- Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Duralast brake drum puller (or related)
- Hammer
- Flathead screwdriver
- Security glasses
Directions:
- Park the automobile on a degree floor and have interaction 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 carry 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’ll 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 possibly can 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 possibly can 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 possibly can take away the brake drum meeting from the automobile.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Take away Drum Brakes
1. What are a number of the indicators that my drum brakes should be changed?
Among 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 tender or spongy
- The automobile pulls to at least one aspect when braking
2. How typically ought to I’ve my drum brakes inspected?
You must have your drum brakes inspected at the very least yearly, or extra typically when you drive in stop-and-go visitors or in hilly areas.
3. Can I substitute my drum brakes myself?
Sure, you possibly can substitute your drum brakes your self you probably have the right instruments and abilities.
