Drum brakes are a kind of brake that makes use of friction to gradual or cease a car. 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 cheaper and simpler to keep up. If it’s essential to take away a drum brake, you will need to observe the steps fastidiously to keep away from damaging the brake or the car.
Step one is to collect the required instruments. You’ll need 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 required 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 fully at the moment. As soon as the lug nuts are loosened, you need to use the jack to lift the car. Be sure you use a jack stand to assist the car while you’re engaged on it. As soon as the car is raised, you possibly can take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
As soon as the wheel is eliminated, you will want to take away the brake drum. The brake drum is held in place by a collection 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 want to take away the brake sneakers. The brake sneakers are held in place by a collection of springs. Take away the springs after which pull the brake sneakers off of the backing plate. As soon as the brake sneakers are eliminated, you possibly can take away the brake cylinder. The brake cylinder is held in place by a collection 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 Parts
The Drum
The drum is a cylindrical-shaped steel part that encloses the brake sneakers and different brake elements. It’s hooked up to the wheel hub and rotates with the wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake sneakers press in opposition to the inside floor of the drum, creating friction and slowing down the wheel.
The Backing Plate
The backing plate is a steel plate that’s mounted behind the drum. It helps the brake sneakers and gives 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 sneakers are curved or crescent-shaped steel elements which can be lined with a friction materials. They’re mounted on the backing plate and press in opposition to the inside floor of the drum when the brake pedal is pressed. The friction between the brake sneakers and the drum creates the braking pressure.
The Wheel Cylinder
The wheel cylinder is a hydraulic part that converts hydraulic stress from the grasp cylinder into mechanical pressure. It’s mounted on the backing plate and accommodates pistons that push the brake sneakers in opposition to the drum when the brake pedal is pressed.
The Springs
Springs are utilized in drum brakes to return the brake sneakers to their preliminary place after the brake pedal is launched. There are two sorts of springs utilized in drum brakes: return springs and parking brake springs. Return springs are situated between the brake sneakers and the backing plate, whereas parking brake springs are situated between the brake sneakers and the wheel cylinder.
| Element | Perform |
|—|—|
| Drum | Encloses the brake sneakers and different brake elements |
| Backing plate | Helps the brake sneakers and gives a mounting level for the wheel cylinder |
| Brake sneakers | Press in opposition to the inside floor of the drum to create braking pressure |
| Wheel cylinder | Converts hydraulic stress into mechanical pressure to push the brake sneakers in opposition to the drum |
| Springs | Return the brake sneakers to their preliminary place after the brake pedal is launched |
Gathering the Mandatory Instruments
Earlier than embarking on the method of eradicating a drum brake, it’s essential to collect the required 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 car from rolling. Make sure the chocks are firmly in place and secure to offer ample resistance.
Lug wrench
This instrument is used to loosen and take away the lug nuts that safe the wheel to the hub. It is very important use the proper dimension lug wrench on your car’s lug nuts to keep away from damaging them.
Socket wrench with acceptable socket
That is used to take away the bolts that maintain the drum brake in place. The socket dimension will differ relying on the car. Make sure the socket matches snugly on the bolts to forestall slipping and potential injury 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 comfortable 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 car.
Eradicating the Wheel and Drum Brake Cowl
To take away the drum brake cowl, observe these steps:
- Find the wheel lug nuts: These are normally situated 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 fully.
- Elevate the car: Use a jack or jack stands to raise the car off the bottom. Be certain that the car 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 raise 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 injury the brake elements when eradicating the drum brake cowl.
Releasing the Brake Sneakers
As soon as the brake drum is eliminated, the following step is to launch the brake sneakers. Start by fastidiously inspecting the sneakers for any indicators of harm or put on. If any issues are found, the sneakers must be changed earlier than persevering with.
To launch the brake sneakers, you will want a pair of pliers or a C-clamp. Utilizing the pliers, grasp the spring clip that holds the brake shoe in place on the high 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 could be lifted off the brake plate. Be sure you word the orientation of the shoe in order that it may be reinstalled appropriately 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 hooked up to the brake sneakers. If that is so, you will want to disconnect the cable earlier than you possibly can take away the brake sneakers. To do that, find the parking brake lever below the dashboard and pull it as much as interact the parking brake. This can trigger the parking brake cable to tighten.
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As soon as the cable is tight, crawl below the car and find the parking brake equalizer. The equalizer is a small, steel bracket that’s mounted on the rear axle. The parking brake cable runs via the equalizer and is related to the brake sneakers on either side of the car. To disconnect the cable, merely unbolt the cable from the equalizer. |
With the parking brake cable disconnected, now you can take away the brake sneakers. Observe the steps outlined above to take away the spring clips and raise the brake sneakers off the brake plate. |
Disconnecting the Brake Strains
Upon getting eliminated the wheels, you will want to disconnect the brake traces from the wheel cylinders. To do that, you will want 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 injury the becoming.
As soon as the becoming is free, you need to use your fingers to unscrew it the remainder of the best way. 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 want to cap off the brake traces to forestall brake fluid from leaking out. You are able to do this through the use of a rubber cap or by wrapping a bit 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 instrument that’s designed to securely 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 sneakers and different inner elements of the brake system. Now you can proceed to examine and restore or change any essential elements.
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 car: Interact the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels reverse the brake being serviced to forestall the automobile 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 fully at this stage.
- Faucet the drum: Give the brake drum a mild faucet round its circumference utilizing a rubber mallet or hammer and a block of wooden to keep away from direct pressure 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 fully and pull the wheel straight in the direction of you to detach it from the hub.
- Disconnect the brake line: Find the brake line hooked up to the wheel cylinder and disconnect it utilizing a flare nut wrench. Be cautious to not injury 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 sneakers at their high, whereas the hold-down springs safe the brake sneakers to the backing plate.
- Take away the brake sneakers: As soon as the springs are indifferent, fastidiously slide the brake sneakers out of the brake drum. Be aware of any shims or adjusters that could be hooked up to the brake sneakers and take away them as properly.
- Pull off the brake drum: With the brake sneakers eliminated, gently pull the brake drum straight in the direction of you to detach it from the axle. Train warning because the drum could be heavy.
Inspecting the Drum Brake Parts
1. Take away the Drum and Brake Sneakers
To examine the drum brake elements, you will want to take away the drum and brake sneakers. This may be performed by following these steps:
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel.
- Elevate the car 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 sneakers by fastidiously pulling them away from the backing plate.
2. Examine the Brake Sneakers
As soon as the brake sneakers are eliminated, it is best to examine them for any indicators of wear and tear or injury. The brake sneakers must be clean and freed from any cracks or chips. The liner must also be thick sufficient to offer ample braking energy.
3. Examine the Brake Drums
The brake drums must also be inspected for any indicators of wear and tear or injury. The drums must be clean and freed from any cracks or gouges. The inside floor of the drums must also be clear and freed from any rust or particles.
4. Examine the Wheel Cylinders
The wheel cylinders must be inspected for any indicators of leaks or injury. The wheel cylinders must be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The piston boots must also be in good situation.
5. Examine the Brake Strains and Hoses
The brake traces and hoses must be inspected for any indicators of leaks or injury. The traces and hoses must be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The fittings must also be tight and safe.
6. Examine the Parking Brake Lever
The parking brake lever must be inspected for any indicators of harm or put on. The lever must be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The pivot level must also be lubricated.
7. Examine the Return Springs
The return springs must be inspected for any indicators of harm or put on. The springs must be clear and freed from any rust or corrosion. The springs must also be sturdy sufficient to return the brake sneakers to their resting place.
Cleansing and Lubricating the Drum Brake Parts
As soon as the drum brake elements are eliminated, they need to be completely cleaned and lubricated. This can assist to make sure that they operate correctly and final for a very long time.
Cleansing the Drum Brake Parts
Use a brake cleaner to take away any filth or particles from the drum brake elements. Be sure you put on security glasses and gloves when utilizing brake cleaner, as it may be dangerous if it comes into contact together with your pores and skin or eyes.
Lubricating the Drum Brake Parts
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 all the transferring elements of the brake, together with the wheel cylinders, brake sneakers, and is derived.
Lubricating the Brake Adjuster
The drum brake adjuster is a crucial part that ensures the brake sneakers are correctly adjusted. The brake adjuster is accountable for taking over the slack within the brake sneakers as they put on.Lubricating the brake adjuster ensures it strikes freely and might modify the brake sneakers as wanted.
To lubricate the brake adjuster, apply a small quantity of high-temperature brake grease to the threads and transferring elements of the adjuster. Don’t over-lubricate the brake adjuster, as this may appeal to 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 sneakers must be a minimum of 1/4 inch thick. If the brake sneakers are worn down, they need to get replaced.
To examine the brake sneakers, search for any cracks, chips, or different injury. The brake sneakers must also be freed from any oil or grease. If the brake sneakers 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, observe these steps:
- Place the brake sneakers 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 must be adjusted. To regulate the drum brake, observe these steps:
- Pump the brake pedal a number of occasions.
- Flip the brake adjuster till the brake sneakers are cosy in opposition to the brake drum.
- Again off the brake adjuster 1/4 flip.
- Check the brake to ensure it’s working correctly.
Reinstalling the Drum Brake Meeting
Now that you’ve got 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 secure 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 sneakers are positioned appropriately throughout 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.
Confer 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 fixed and that the brake sneakers are correctly seated.
Bleeding the Brake System
Bleeding the brake system removes any air that will have gotten into the traces throughout service. This may be performed with a helper or alone in the event you use a one-person bleeder package.
Supplies wanted:
- DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
- Bleeder wrench
- Clear rag
- One-person bleeder package (optionally available)
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 occasions and maintain it down. If utilizing a one-person bleeder package, observe 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 circulate 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.
- Test the brake fluid stage within the grasp cylinder and add fluid as wanted.
- Pump the brake pedal a number of occasions to construct up stress within the system.
Notice:
* All the time use clear brake fluid and instruments.
* Don’t overtighten the bleeder screw, as this may injury the threads.
* In case you are not comfy bleeding the brake system your self, have it performed by a certified mechanic.
How you can Take a Drum Brake Off
Drum brakes are a kind of brake that’s generally discovered on older automobiles. They’re much less environment friendly than disc brakes, however they’re additionally cheaper to fabricate and preserve. If it’s essential to change the brake sneakers or drums in your car, you will want 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 car on a stage floor and set the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you can be engaged on, however don’t take away them fully.
- Jack up the car 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.
Folks Additionally Ask About How you can Take a Drum Brake Off
How do you take away a drum brake with out a puller?
When you do not need 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 have you learnt if drum brakes must be changed?
There are a couple of indicators that 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 sneakers
- Cracked or broken brake drums
Are you able to change drum brakes your self?
Sure, it’s potential to exchange drum brakes your self. Nonetheless, you will need to word that this can be a complicated process that requires some mechanical information and expertise.
