Drum brakes are a sort of brake that makes use of friction to sluggish or cease a automobile. They’re usually discovered on the rear wheels of automobiles, however will also be discovered on the entrance wheels of some older automobiles. Drum brakes are much less efficient than disc brakes, however they’re additionally inexpensive and simpler to keep up. If you have to take away a drum brake, it is very important comply with the steps fastidiously to keep away from damaging the brake or the automobile.
Step one is to collect the mandatory instruments. You will have a jack, a jack stand, a lug wrench, and a socket wrench. You may additionally want a hammer and a chisel. Upon getting gathered the mandatory instruments, you possibly can start the method of eradicating the drum brake. Step one is to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re engaged on. Don’t take away the lug nuts utterly presently. As soon as the lug nuts are loosened, you need to use the jack to lift the automobile. Make sure to use a jack stand to assist the automobile if you are engaged on it. As soon as the automobile is raised, you possibly can take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
As soon as the wheel is eliminated, you will have to take away the brake drum. The brake drum is held in place by a sequence of bolts. Take away the bolts after which pull the brake drum off of the wheel hub. As soon as the brake drum is eliminated, you will have to take away the brake footwear. The brake footwear are held in place by a sequence of springs. Take away the springs after which pull the brake footwear off of the backing plate. As soon as the brake footwear are eliminated, you possibly can take away the brake cylinder. The brake cylinder is held in place by a sequence of bolts. Take away the bolts after which pull the brake cylinder off of the backing plate. As soon as the brake cylinder is eliminated, you’ll have efficiently eliminated the drum brake.
Figuring out the Drum Brake Elements
The Drum
The drum is a cylindrical-shaped metallic element that encloses the brake footwear and different brake elements. It’s connected to the wheel hub and rotates with the wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake footwear press in opposition to the interior floor of the drum, creating friction and slowing down the wheel.
The Backing Plate
The backing plate is a metallic plate that’s mounted behind the drum. It helps the brake footwear and supplies a mounting level for the wheel cylinder and different brake elements. The backing plate additionally helps to dissipate warmth generated by braking.
The Brake Sneakers
The brake footwear are curved or crescent-shaped metallic elements which can be lined with a friction materials. They’re mounted on the backing plate and press in opposition to the interior floor of the drum when the brake pedal is pressed. The friction between the brake footwear and the drum creates the braking power.
The Wheel Cylinder
The wheel cylinder is a hydraulic element that converts hydraulic stress from the grasp cylinder into mechanical power. It’s mounted on the backing plate and incorporates pistons that push the brake footwear in opposition to the drum when the brake pedal is pressed.
The Springs
Springs are utilized in drum brakes to return the brake footwear to their preliminary place after the brake pedal is launched. There are two kinds of springs utilized in drum brakes: return springs and parking brake springs. Return springs are positioned between the brake footwear and the backing plate, whereas parking brake springs are positioned between the brake footwear and the wheel cylinder.
| Part | Perform |
|—|—|
| Drum | Encloses the brake footwear and different brake elements |
| Backing plate | Helps the brake footwear and supplies a mounting level for the wheel cylinder |
| Brake footwear | Press in opposition to the interior floor of the drum to create braking power |
| Wheel cylinder | Converts hydraulic stress into mechanical power to push the brake footwear in opposition to the drum |
| Springs | Return the brake footwear to their preliminary place after the brake pedal is launched |
Gathering the Essential Instruments
Earlier than embarking on the method of eradicating a drum brake, it’s essential to collect the mandatory instruments to make sure the duty is accomplished safely and effectively. The important instruments for this process embody:
Wheel chocks
These are positioned behind the tires that won’t be labored on to forestall the automobile from rolling. Make sure the chocks are firmly in place and secure to supply enough resistance.
Lug wrench
This software is used to loosen and take away the lug nuts that safe the wheel to the hub. You will need to use the proper measurement lug wrench in your automobile’s lug nuts to keep away from damaging them.
Socket wrench with applicable socket
That is used to take away the bolts that maintain the drum brake in place. The socket measurement will range relying on the automobile. Make sure the socket suits snugly on the bolts to forestall slipping and potential harm to the bolts.
Rubber mallet or hammer
These instruments are used to faucet the drum brake free from the axle. Use a mallet or hammer with a tender head to keep away from damaging the drum brake.
Brake cleaner
That is used to wash the brake elements as soon as the drum brake is eliminated. Brake cleaner is efficient in eradicating grease and brake mud.
Security glasses
These are important for safeguarding your eyes from flying particles or brake mud whereas engaged on the automobile.
Eradicating the Wheel and Drum Brake Cowl
To take away the drum brake cowl, comply with these steps:
- Find the wheel lug nuts: These are normally positioned across the perimeter of the wheel.
- Loosen the lug nuts: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, however don’t take away them utterly.
- Raise the automobile: Use a jack or jack stands to carry the automobile off the bottom. Be certain that the automobile is secure and safe earlier than continuing.
- Take away the lug nuts and wheel: As soon as the lug nuts are free, take away them by turning them counterclockwise. Then, fastidiously pull the wheel away from the brake drum.
- Take away the drum brake cowl: The drum brake cowl is often held in place by a number of bolts or screws. Take away these fasteners and carry the drum brake cowl off the brake meeting.
Further Suggestions
- If the drum brake cowl is caught, gently faucet it with a hammer to loosen it.
- If the lug nuts are tough to take away, apply penetrating oil to the threads and let it sit for a couple of minutes earlier than trying to loosen them.
- Watch out to not harm the brake elements when eradicating the drum brake cowl.
Releasing the Brake Sneakers
As soon as the brake drum is eliminated, the subsequent step is to launch the brake footwear. Start by fastidiously inspecting the footwear for any indicators of harm or put on. If any issues are found, the footwear ought to be changed earlier than persevering with.
To launch the brake footwear, you will have a pair of pliers or a C-clamp. Utilizing the pliers, grasp the spring clip that holds the brake shoe in place on the prime of the brake plate. Compress the spring clip and slide it off the brake shoe. Repeat this course of for the spring clip on the backside of the brake plate.
With the spring clips eliminated, the brake shoe may be lifted off the brake plate. Make sure to be aware the orientation of the shoe in order that it may be reinstalled accurately later. As soon as the primary brake shoe is eliminated, repeat the method for the second shoe.
Disconnecting the Parking Brake Cable
In some automobiles, the parking brake cable is connected to the brake footwear. If that is so, you will have to disconnect the cable earlier than you possibly can take away the brake footwear. To do that, find the parking brake lever underneath the dashboard and pull it as much as interact the parking brake. This may trigger the parking brake cable to tighten.
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As soon as the cable is tight, crawl underneath the automobile and find the parking brake equalizer. The equalizer is a small, metallic bracket that’s mounted on the rear axle. The parking brake cable runs by means of the equalizer and is linked to the brake footwear on either side of the automobile. To disconnect the cable, merely unbolt the cable from the equalizer. |
With the parking brake cable disconnected, now you can take away the brake footwear. Observe the steps outlined above to take away the spring clips and carry the brake footwear off the brake plate. |
Disconnecting the Brake Traces
Upon getting eliminated the wheels, you will have to disconnect the brake traces from the wheel cylinders. To do that, you will have a flare nut wrench or a line wrench. Place the wrench on the brake line becoming and switch it counterclockwise to loosen it. Watch out to not overtighten the wrench, as this might harm the becoming.
As soon as the becoming is free, you need to use your fingers to unscrew it the remainder of the way in which. The brake line will now be free from the wheel cylinder. Repeat this course of for the opposite wheel cylinder.
Earlier than you possibly can take away the brake drums, you will have to cap off the brake traces to forestall brake fluid from leaking out. You are able to do this by utilizing a rubber cap or by wrapping a chunk of tape across the finish of the brake line.
As soon as the brake traces are capped off, you need to use a drum puller to take away the brake drums. The drum puller is a specialised software that’s designed to soundly take away brake drums with out damaging them. To make use of the drum puller, place the hooks on the sting of the brake drum and tighten the bolt till the brake drum pops off.
As soon as the brake drums are eliminated, you’ll have entry to the brake footwear and different inside elements of the brake system. Now you can proceed to examine and restore or substitute any needed components.
Eradicating the Brake Drum
Eradicating the brake drum requires a bit extra finesse and care in comparison with the backing plate. Here is a step-by-step information to detach the drum safely:
- Safe the automobile: Have interaction the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels reverse the brake being serviced to forestall the automotive from rolling.
- Loosen the lug nuts, not take away them: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel related to the brake drum. Don’t take away them utterly at this stage.
- Faucet the drum: Give the brake drum a delicate faucet round its circumference utilizing a rubber mallet or hammer and a block of wooden to keep away from direct power on the drum. This helps break the rust or corrosion that could be holding the drum in place.
- Take away the lug nuts and wheel: As soon as the drum has been loosened, take away the lug nuts utterly and pull the wheel straight in the direction of you to detach it from the hub.
- Disconnect the brake line: Find the brake line connected to the wheel cylinder and disconnect it utilizing a flare nut wrench. Be cautious to not harm the brake line.
- Detach the return spring and brake shoe hold-down springs: Utilizing a pair of pliers, fastidiously detach the return spring and the brake shoe hold-down springs. The return spring is often smaller and connects the brake footwear at their prime, whereas the hold-down springs safe the brake footwear to the backing plate.
- Take away the brake footwear: As soon as the springs are indifferent, fastidiously slide the brake footwear out of the brake drum. Be conscious of any shims or adjusters that could be connected to the brake footwear and take away them as properly.
- Pull off the brake drum: With the brake footwear eliminated, gently pull the brake drum straight in the direction of you to detach it from the axle. Train warning because the drum may be heavy.
Inspecting the Drum Brake Elements
1. Take away the Drum and Brake Sneakers
To examine the drum brake elements, you will have to take away the drum and brake footwear. This may be accomplished by following these steps:
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel.
- Raise the automobile and safe it on jack stands.
- Take away the wheel.
- Take away the brake drum by pulling it straight off the axle.
- Take away the brake footwear by fastidiously pulling them away from the backing plate.
2. Examine the Brake Sneakers
As soon as the brake footwear are eliminated, you must examine them for any indicators of damage or harm. The brake footwear ought to be clean and freed from any cracks or chips. The liner also needs to be thick sufficient to supply enough braking energy.
3. Examine the Brake Drums
The brake drums also needs to be inspected for any indicators of damage or harm. The drums ought to be clean and freed from any cracks or gouges. The interior floor of the drums also needs to be clear and freed from any rust or particles.
4. Examine the Wheel Cylinders
The wheel cylinders ought to be inspected for any indicators of leaks or harm. The wheel cylinders ought to be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The piston boots also needs to be in good situation.
5. Examine the Brake Traces and Hoses
The brake traces and hoses ought to be inspected for any indicators of leaks or harm. The traces and hoses ought to be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The fittings also needs to be tight and safe.
6. Examine the Parking Brake Lever
The parking brake lever ought to be inspected for any indicators of harm or put on. The lever ought to be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The pivot level also needs to be lubricated.
7. Examine the Return Springs
The return springs ought to be inspected for any indicators of harm or put on. The springs ought to be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The springs also needs to be robust sufficient to return the brake footwear to their resting place.
Cleansing and Lubricating the Drum Brake Elements
As soon as the drum brake elements are eliminated, they need to be completely cleaned and lubricated. This may assist to make sure that they perform correctly and final for a very long time.
Cleansing the Drum Brake Elements
Use a brake cleaner to take away any filth or particles from the drum brake elements. Make sure to put on security glasses and gloves when utilizing brake cleaner, as it may be dangerous if it comes into contact along with your pores and skin or eyes.
Lubricating the Drum Brake Elements
As soon as the drum brake elements are clear, they need to be lubricated with a high-temperature brake grease. Apply a skinny layer of grease to the entire transferring components of the brake, together with the wheel cylinders, brake footwear, and is derived.
Lubricating the Brake Adjuster
The drum brake adjuster is a vital element that ensures the brake footwear are correctly adjusted. The brake adjuster is chargeable for taking over the slack within the brake footwear as they put on.Lubricating the brake adjuster ensures it strikes freely and might alter the brake footwear as wanted.
To lubricate the brake adjuster, apply a small quantity of high-temperature brake grease to the threads and transferring components of the adjuster. Don’t over-lubricate the brake adjuster, as this could entice filth and particles.
Inspecting the Brake Sneakers
As soon as the drum brake elements are lubricated, they need to be inspected for put on. The brake footwear ought to be not less than 1/4 inch thick. If the brake footwear are worn down, they need to get replaced.
To examine the brake footwear, search for any cracks, chips, or different harm. The brake footwear also needs to be freed from any oil or grease. If the brake footwear are broken or contaminated, they need to get replaced.
Reassembling the Drum Brake
As soon as the drum brake elements have been cleaned and lubricated, they are often reassembled. To reassemble the drum brake, comply with these steps:
- Place the brake footwear into the brake drum.
- Set up the brake springs.
- Set up the wheel cylinders.
- Set up the brake drum.
- Tighten the lug nuts.
Adjusting the Drum Brake
As soon as the drum brake is reassembled, it ought to be adjusted. To regulate the drum brake, comply with these steps:
- Pump the brake pedal a number of instances.
- Flip the brake adjuster till the brake footwear are comfortable in opposition to the brake drum.
- Again off the brake adjuster 1/4 flip.
- Check the brake to verify it’s working correctly.
Reinstalling the Drum Brake Meeting
Now that you have efficiently eliminated the drum brake meeting, it is time to put all of it again collectively. Observe these steps to make sure a correct and protected set up.
9. Set up the Backing Plate
Align the backing plate with the axle and thoroughly slide it into place. Be certain that the brake footwear are positioned accurately inside the slots of the backing plate. Use bolts or screws to safe the backing plate to the axle housing. Tighten the bolts or screws to the required torque.
Consult with the desk under for the really helpful torque values:
| Automobile Mannequin | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic | 25-30 |
| Toyota Camry | 30-35 |
| Ford Focus | 35-40 |
Notice: Double-check that the backing plate is securely mounted and that the brake footwear are correctly seated.
Bleeding the Brake System
Bleeding the brake system removes any air which will have gotten into the traces throughout service. This may be accomplished with a helper or alone should you use a one-person bleeder package.
Supplies wanted:
- DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
- Bleeder wrench
- Clear rag
- One-person bleeder package (non-obligatory)
Steps:
- Fill the grasp cylinder with brake fluid.
- Find the bleeder screw on the wheel cylinder. It’s normally a small, spherical screw with a rubber cap.
- Place a field wrench or bleeder wrench over the bleeder screw and loosen it barely.
- If utilizing a helper, have them press down on the brake pedal a number of instances and maintain it down. If utilizing a one-person bleeder package, comply with the package’s directions for making use of stress to the system.
- Whereas the brake pedal is depressed, open the bleeder screw barely and permit the brake fluid and air bubbles to circulation out. Shut the bleeder screw earlier than the brake pedal reaches the ground.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 till no extra air bubbles are seen within the brake fluid popping out of the bleeder screw.
- Tighten the bleeder screw and take away the wrench.
- Repeat steps 2-7 for the remaining wheel cylinders.
- Examine the brake fluid stage within the grasp cylinder and add fluid as wanted.
- Pump the brake pedal a number of instances to construct up stress within the system.
Notice:
* At all times use clear brake fluid and instruments.
* Don’t overtighten the bleeder screw, as this could harm the threads.
* In case you are not comfy bleeding the brake system your self, have it accomplished by a professional mechanic.
Find out how to Take a Drum Brake Off
Drum brakes are a sort of brake that’s generally discovered on older automobiles. They’re much less environment friendly than disc brakes, however they’re additionally inexpensive to fabricate and keep. If you have to substitute the brake footwear or drums in your automobile, you will have to know the best way to take the drum brake off.
Listed here are the steps on the best way to take a drum brake off:
- Park your automobile on a stage floor and set the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you may be engaged on, however don’t take away them utterly.
- Jack up the automobile and safe it with jack stands.
- Take away the lug nuts and wheel.
- Find the brake drum and take away the mud cap.
- Use a big screwdriver or pry bar to take away the cotter pin from the citadel nut.
- Use a socket wrench to take away the citadel nut.
- Pull the brake drum straight off the axle.
Individuals Additionally Ask About Find out how to Take a Drum Brake Off
How do you take away a drum brake with no puller?
In the event you would not have a brake drum puller, you need to use a big screwdriver or pry bar to take away the brake drum. Insert the screwdriver or pry bar between the brake drum and the backing plate and pry the brake drum off.
How are you aware if drum brakes must be changed?
There are a couple of indicators which will point out that your drum brakes must be changed. These indicators embody:
- Squealing or grinding noises when braking
- Lowered braking energy
- Leaking brake fluid
- Unfastened or worn brake footwear
- Cracked or broken brake drums
Are you able to substitute drum brakes your self?
Sure, it’s potential to exchange drum brakes your self. Nevertheless, it is very important be aware that it is a complicated process that requires some mechanical information and expertise.
