Changing worn or broken drum brakes is an important activity for sustaining optimum car 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 learn how 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 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 sneakers must be acquired. Guaranteeing you could have all the required tools will forestall delays and guarantee a clean elimination course of.
To start, the car 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 propose to take away. Keep in mind, don’t take away the lug nuts totally at this stage. Subsequent, use a jack to boost the car, guaranteeing it’s securely supported by jack stands. Lastly, take away the lug nuts and detach the wheel from the car. With the wheel eliminated, you’ll be able to proceed to take away the drum brake.
Security Precautions
Working in your drum brakes generally is a harmful activity if correct security precautions will not be taken. These precautions embrace:
- At all times park your car 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 forestall the car from rolling while you’re 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 be sure that the lug nuts are correctly tightened and that the wheels are securely hooked up to the car.
- By no means take away the drum brake sneakers with the car nonetheless on the bottom. This might trigger the brake sneakers 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 car 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 sneakers with the car 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 could have a secure and clutter-free workspace. Collect the required instruments and supplies listed under:
Instruments and Supplies Required:
| Merchandise | Description |
|---|---|
| Lug wrench | For loosening and tightening lug nuts |
| Drum brake device | Specialised device for eradicating drum brakes |
| C-clamp | For holding the brake sneakers in place |
| Hammer | For loosening frozen elements |
| 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 discuss with your car’s particular restore handbook for any further pointers 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 sometimes be two or 4 screws, situated across the perimeter of the drum. They might be coated by a rubber plug, which you’ll need 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 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 could be pulled off the axle. It could be obligatory to make use of a pry bar or hammer to assist break it free.
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 traces, it is vital to take precautions to stop brake fluid from leaking. Place a drain pan beneath the brake traces and canopy any uncovered elements with rags or paper towels. You may additionally wish 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 traces. As soon as the fittings are free, you’ll be able to fastidiously disconnect the brake traces from the wheel cylinders.
In case you’re having bother disconnecting the brake traces, you’ll be able to 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 making an attempt to loosen them. You may additionally want to make use of a pair of pliers that will help you break the fittings free.
As soon as the brake traces are disconnected, you’ll be able to take away the drum brakes. Watch out to not harm the brake sneakers or different elements if 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 Sneakers and Springs
To take away the brake sneakers and is derived, you may 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 automobile on a degree floor and have interaction the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you may be engaged on, however do not take away them fully.
- Jack up the automobile and safe it on jack stands.
- Take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Find the 2 brake sneakers and the springs that maintain them in place. The springs might be hooked up to the backing plate and the brake sneakers.
There are two forms of springs that maintain the brake sneakers in place:
Sort of Spring Location Maintain-down springs Connect the brake sneakers to the backing plate Return springs Pull the brake sneakers again away from the drum when the brake pedal is launched To take away the brake sneakers, you may 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’ll be able to take away the brake sneakers. Pull the brake sneakers straight again till they arrive off the backing plate. You might want to make use of a bit drive to get them off.
As soon as the brake sneakers 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 sneakers and is derived eliminated, now you can examine them for put on and tear. If the brake sneakers are worn down, they are going to should be changed. If the springs are broken, they will even should be changed.
Reattaching the Brake Sneakers and Springs
To reattach the brake sneakers and is derived, observe these steps:
1. Hook the Return Spring
Find the return spring that holds the highest finish of the brake sneakers collectively. Hook the spring onto the highest of the brake shoe, guaranteeing it’s securely in place.
2. Place the Brake Sneakers
Place the brake sneakers over the wheel cylinder pistons and align the brake lining with the brake drum. Push the sneakers into place, guaranteeing 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 sneakers. 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 the 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, modify the star wheel on the adjuster lever. Flip the wheel clockwise to tighten the sneakers and counterclockwise to loosen them. Regulate the sneakers till they make slight contact with the brake drum. This step is essential to make sure correct brake engagement and to stop dragging or squealing.
Adjustment Information Tighten sneakers till they flippantly 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 traces should be reconnected. This can be a comparatively easy course of, however it is very important take your time and ensure that the traces are related accurately. Listed here are the steps concerned:
1. Clear the brake traces
Earlier than you join the brake traces, it is very important 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 traces to the brake calipers.
3. Tighten the brake line fittings
As soon as the brake line fittings are put in, you want to tighten them. You are able to do this with a wrench or a pair of pliers.
4. Bleed the brakes
After the brake traces are related, you want to bleed the brakes. It will take away any air from the brake traces.
5. Examine for leaks
As soon as the brakes are bled, you want to test for leaks. You are able to do this by making use of stress to the brake pedal and in search of any leaks.
6. Check the brakes
The ultimate step is to check the brakes. You are able to do this by driving the automobile and making use of the brakes. Ensure that the brakes work correctly earlier than you drive the automobile on the highway.
7. Brake Line Security Ideas
Listed here are some further ideas for safely reconnecting brake traces:
– At all times use new brake traces when changing previous ones.
– Ensure that the brake traces are the proper measurement in your automobile.
– 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.
– Examine for leaks and take a look at the brakes earlier than driving the automobile.Reinstalling the Drums
Begin by flippantly coating the within of the drum with a high-temperature brake grease. It will assist forestall the sneakers from squeaking and also will assist to lengthen the lifetime of the brakes. Subsequent, fastidiously place the drum over the sneakers, ensuring that the sneakers 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’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 related, you’ll be able to bleed the brakes to take away any air from the system.
Adjusting the Brakes
Earlier than driving the car, you’ll need 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 sneakers if you rotate the drum by hand. Upon getting adjusted the brakes, tighten the brake adjuster nut.
Testing the Brakes
Earlier than driving the car, take a look at the brakes to verify they’re working correctly. To do that, drive the car in a secure space and apply the brakes firmly. The car ought to come to a clean, managed cease. If the car doesn’t cease easily, or if the brakes really feel spongy, you’ll need 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 Regulate the brake sneakers 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:
Device Goal 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 by the tubing.
- Repeat the method for every wheel cylinder, following the proper brake bleeding sequence laid out in your car’s restore handbook.
- Non-compulsory (for superior customers): Use a vacuum-assisted bleeder device or a stress bleeder to evacuate air extra effectively from the system. These instruments create a suction or drive brake fluid by the system, lowering the necessity for handbook pumping. Confer with the producer’s directions for particular operation particulars.
Remaining Inspection and Street Testing
1. Examine Brake Strains and Hoses
After reconnecting the brake traces, completely examine them for any leaks or harm. Rigorously look at the connections and tighten any free fittings.
2. High Up Brake Fluid
Examine the brake fluid degree and prime up if obligatory. 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 stress within the system. The pedal ought to really feel agency, with minimal sponginess or journey.
4. Check Brake Lights
Activate the brake pedal and be sure that the brake lights perform correctly. If they don’t illuminate, troubleshoot {the electrical} connections.
5. Examine Brake Efficiency
Take the car 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. Street Check
Conduct a radical 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
Through the highway take a look at, monitor brake temperature utilizing an infrared thermometer. Extreme warmth buildup can point out points with the brake system, reminiscent of binding or dragging.
8. Examine Wheel Alignment
If the brake work concerned eradicating the wheels, be 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 phone. If there’s uneven put on or extreme put on, additional adjustment or substitute could also be required.
10. Comply with-Up Checks and Upkeep
Often monitor the brake fluid degree, test 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 elevate
- Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Duralast brake drum puller (or related)
- Hammer
- Flathead screwdriver
- Security glasses
Directions:
- Park the car 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 car utilizing a jack or elevate 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 can should be changed.
- To take away the brake drum, use a duralast brake drum puller (or related) to tug 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’ll need to take away the brake sneakers.
- To take away the brake sneakers, use a flathead screwdriver to pry them off the brake backing plate.
- As soon as the brake sneakers 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 car.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Take away Drum Brakes
1. What are a few of the indicators that my drum brakes should be changed?
Among the indicators that your drum brakes should be changed embrace:
- Squealing or grinding noises when braking
- A pulsation within the brake pedal
- The brake pedal feels tender or spongy
- The car pulls to 1 aspect when braking
2. How usually ought to I’ve my drum brakes inspected?
You need to have your drum brakes inspected not less than annually, or extra usually when 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 if in case you have the correct instruments and expertise.
