Changing worn or broken drum brakes is a vital job 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 job with confidence and effectivity.
Earlier than embarking on the removing course of, it’s crucial to assemble the required 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 sneakers must be acquired. Guaranteeing you might have all the required tools will forestall delays and guarantee a clean removing 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. Bear in mind, don’t take away the lug nuts completely 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’ll be able to proceed to take away the drum brake.
Security Precautions
Working in your drum brakes could be a harmful job if correct security precautions aren’t taken. These precautions embody:
- All the time park your automobile on a flat, secure floor. If doable, 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 automobile from rolling when you are engaged on it.
- Put on security glasses and gloves. It will defend your eyes and arms from flying particles.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts. It will be certain 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 sneakers with the automobile 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 if you happen to do come into contact with it, wash it off instantly with cleaning soap and water.
| Security Precautions |
|---|
| Park your automobile 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 automobile nonetheless on the bottom. |
| Pay attention to the brake fluid. |
Preparation and Instrument Gathering
Earlier than trying to take away drum brakes, guarantee you might have 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 software | Specialised software for eradicating drum brakes |
| C-clamp | For holding the brake sneakers in place |
| Hammer | For loosening frozen components |
| 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 guide for any extra pointers or security precautions associated to eradicating drum brakes.
Eradicating the Drums
To take away the drum brake drums, comply with these steps:
1. Assist 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, positioned across the perimeter of the drum. They could be lined 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 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 might be pulled off the axle. It might be obligatory to make use of a pry bar or hammer to assist break it unfastened.
5. Examine the drum for any indicators of damage or injury. If the drum is broken, it must be changed.
Disconnecting the Brake Traces
Earlier than you disconnect the brake traces, it is necessary to take precautions to stop brake fluid from leaking. Place a drain pan underneath the brake traces and canopy any uncovered components with rags or paper towels. You might also need to put on gloves to guard your arms 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 could injury the traces. As soon as the fittings are unfastened, you’ll be able to fastidiously disconnect the brake traces from the wheel cylinders.
In case you’re having hassle 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 might also want to make use of a pair of pliers that will help you break the fittings unfastened.
As soon as the brake traces are disconnected, you’ll be able to take away the drum brakes. Watch out to not injury the brake sneakers or different parts whenever 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 sneakers and comes, you may want just a few instruments:
- Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- 10mm socket wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Brake cleaner
After getting your instruments, comply with 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 utterly.
- 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 connected to the backing plate and the brake sneakers.
There are two sorts of springs that maintain the brake sneakers in place:
Kind 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 could want to make use of slightly 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 comes eliminated, now you can examine them for put on and tear. If the brake sneakers are worn down, they are going to must be changed. If the springs are broken, they can even must be changed.
Reattaching the Brake Footwear and Springs
To reattach the brake sneakers and comes, comply with 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, making certain it’s securely in place.
2. Place the Brake Footwear
Place the brake sneakers over the wheel cylinder pistons and align the brake lining with the brake drum. Push the sneakers 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 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 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 fixed and might transfer freely.
6. Adjusting the Brake Footwear
Utilizing a flathead screwdriver, alter 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 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 traces must be reconnected. It is a comparatively easy course of, however it is very important take your time and make it possible for the traces are linked appropriately. 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 filth 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 traces to the brake calipers.
3. Tighten the brake line fittings
As soon as the brake line fittings are put in, you must 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 linked, you must bleed the brakes. It will take away any air from the brake traces.
5. Verify for leaks
As soon as the brakes are bled, you must test for leaks. You are able to do this by making use of strain to the brake pedal and searching 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 automobile and making use of the brakes. Make it possible for the brakes work correctly earlier than you drive the automobile on the street.
7. Brake Line Security Ideas
Listed here are some extra ideas for safely reconnecting brake traces:
– All the time use new brake traces when changing outdated ones.
– Make it possible for the brake traces are the right measurement to your automobile.
– 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.
– Verify for leaks and check the brakes earlier than driving the automobile.Reinstalling the Drums
Begin by frivolously 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. 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’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’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’re feeling a slight drag on the brake sneakers whenever you rotate the drum by hand. After getting adjusted the brakes, tighten the brake adjuster nut.
Testing the Brakes
Earlier than driving the automobile, check 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’ll need 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 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 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 crammed with 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 by means of the tubing.
- Repeat the method for every wheel cylinder, following the right brake bleeding sequence laid out in your automobile’s restore guide.
- Non-obligatory (for superior customers): Use a vacuum-assisted bleeder software or a strain bleeder to evacuate air extra effectively from the system. These instruments create a suction or drive brake fluid by means of the system, decreasing the necessity for guide pumping. Check with the producer’s directions for particular operation particulars.
Last Inspection and Highway Testing
1. Verify Brake Traces and Hoses
After reconnecting the brake traces, totally examine them for any leaks or injury. Rigorously look at the connections and tighten any unfastened fittings.
2. Prime Up Brake Fluid
Verify the brake fluid degree and high up if obligatory. Guarantee it reaches the right degree indicated on the grasp cylinder reservoir.
3. Verify 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 be certain that the brake lights perform correctly. If they don’t illuminate, troubleshoot {the electrical} connections.
5. Verify Brake Efficiency
Take the automobile for a brief check 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. Highway Take a look at
Conduct a radical street check to guage 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 check, monitor brake temperature utilizing an infrared thermometer. Extreme warmth buildup can point out points with the brake system, comparable to binding or dragging.
8. Verify Wheel Alignment
If the brake work concerned eradicating the wheels, be certain 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 speak to. If there’s uneven put on or extreme put on, additional adjustment or alternative could also be required.
10. Comply with-Up Checks and Upkeep
Repeatedly 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 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 utterly.
- Elevate the automobile utilizing a jack or carry 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 injury.
- If the brake drum is broken, it’s going to must 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 automobile.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Take away Drum Brakes
1. What are a few of the indicators that my drum brakes must be changed?
A number of the indicators that your drum brakes must be changed embody:
- Squealing or grinding noises when braking
- A pulsation within the brake pedal
- The brake pedal feels comfortable or spongy
- The automobile pulls to at least one aspect when braking
2. How typically ought to I’ve my drum brakes inspected?
You need to have your drum brakes inspected at the least annually, or extra typically if you happen to drive in stop-and-go visitors or in hilly areas.
3. Can I change my drum brakes myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to change your drum brakes your self you probably have the right instruments and abilities.
