The upkeep of a car is kind of demanding, particularly in terms of the braking system. Drum brakes are some of the widespread forms of brakes discovered on autos, they usually require common upkeep to make sure optimum efficiency. Eradicating a drum brake generally is a difficult job, however it’s important for changing worn-out brake sneakers or inspecting the brake system. This complete information will present step-by-step directions on find out how to safely and successfully take away a drum brake, guaranteeing the longevity of your car’s braking system.
Earlier than embarking on the drum brake elimination course of, it’s essential to assemble the mandatory instruments and supplies. These embrace a lug wrench, a socket set, a screwdriver, a hammer, and a brake cleaner. Moreover, it is suggested to put on security glasses and gloves to guard your self from potential hazards. After you have assembled the mandatory tools and brought the mandatory security precautions, you’ll be able to proceed with the brake elimination course of. The next steps will information you thru the process, guaranteeing a easy and profitable consequence.
Start the method by loosening the lug nuts on the wheel the place the drum brake is situated. Don’t take away the lug nuts fully at this stage. Subsequent, use a jack to boost the car, guaranteeing it’s steady and safe. As soon as the car is raised, take away the lug nuts and detach the wheel from the car. With the wheel eliminated, you’ll have entry to the drum brake meeting. Rigorously examine the drum brake and establish the brake adjuster. The brake adjuster is often situated on the backside of the backing plate and is liable for adjusting the brake sneakers. Utilizing a screwdriver, flip the brake adjuster counterclockwise to loosen it. As soon as the brake adjuster is unfastened, you’ll be able to proceed to take away the drum brake.
Assessing the Scenario
Earlier than trying to take away the drum brake, it’s essential to totally assess the scenario. Security ought to all the time be a prime precedence, so it’s important to make sure that the car is correctly parked on a degree floor and that the parking brake is engaged. Collect the mandatory instruments, together with a socket wrench with an appropriate-sized socket, a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and penetrating oil (if mandatory).
Subsequent, find the drum brake. It’s usually located behind the wheel and is roofed by a spherical steel plate or cowl. Take away the duvet by unscrewing the bolts that safe it in place. As soon as the duvet is eliminated, you will note the brake drum, which is hooked up to the wheel hub by a collection of lug nuts. Utilizing the socket wrench and acceptable socket, rigorously loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise. Be aware to not take away them fully at this stage.
Lastly, examine the brake sneakers and {hardware}. The brake sneakers must be pressed in opposition to the within of the brake drum, whereas the {hardware} (springs, clips, and so forth.) ought to maintain them in place. Make an observation of the place and orientation of the brake sneakers and {hardware}, as you will want to reinstall them in the identical method when reassembling the brake system.
| Instruments Required |
|---|
| Socket wrench |
| Phillips head screwdriver |
| Flathead screwdriver |
| Penetrating oil (if mandatory) |
Gathering Obligatory Instruments
Earlier than embarking on the duty of eradicating a drum brake, it’s crucial to assemble the mandatory instruments to make sure a easy and environment friendly course of. The next objects are important for the profitable completion of this endeavor:
Important Instruments:
1. Lug wrench or impression wrench: This device is used to loosen and take away the lug nuts that safe the wheel to the axle.
2. Drum brake puller: This specialised device is particularly designed to take away the drum from the axle. It consists of a threaded rod, two legs, and a deal with. The legs are positioned behind the drum and the threaded rod is tightened, making use of stress and steadily separating the drum from the axle.
| Drum Brake Puller Elements | Utilization |
|---|---|
| Threaded rod | Tightened to generate stress and pull the drum |
| Legs | Positioned behind the drum for help and leverage |
| Deal with | Used for turning the threaded rod |
3. Brake cleaner: This aerosol cleaner is used to take away brake mud and dirt from the brake parts, guaranteeing a correct cleansing course of.
4. Ratchet wrench: This device is used to take away the retaining screws that maintain the drum in place.
5. Security glasses: Eye safety is important throughout this course of, as brake mud and steel particles will be hazardous to the eyes.
6. Gloves: Gloves are beneficial to guard arms from sharp edges and brake mud.
Disconnecting the Wheel Nuts
Step 3: Eradicating the Wheel Lug Nuts
Find the lug nuts that safe the wheel to the brake drum. These are usually massive, hexagonal nuts situated across the perimeter of the wheel.
Choose the suitable socket wrench that matches the dimensions of the lug nuts. Make sure the socket is firmly seated on the nut to forestall slipping throughout elimination.
With regular stress, loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise utilizing the socket wrench. Be certain to take action steadily, guaranteeing even loosening on all nuts to keep away from warping the brake drum.
As soon as the lug nuts are sufficiently loosened, take away them by hand. Be cautious to not lose or misplace any nuts throughout this course of.
Gently carry the wheel away from the brake drum and set it apart in a safe location. Be aware that some autos could have a locking lug nut that requires a particular key for elimination. Verify your car’s guide for particular directions if relevant.
Eradicating the Lug Bolts
Take away the lug bolts that maintain the wheel in place. Use a lug wrench to loosen the bolts, then take away them by hand. Watch out to not strip the threads on the bolts.
Utilizing a Lug Wrench
- Place the lug wrench over the lug bolt.
- Flip the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the bolt.
- Repeat for all the lug bolts on the wheel.
Ideas for Eradicating Lug Bolts
- If the lug bolts are rusted or caught, use a penetrating oil to loosen them.
- If you do not have a lug wrench, you should use a socket wrench with a 19mm socket.
- Watch out to not overtighten the lug bolts while you put the wheel again on.
As soon as the lug bolts have been eliminated, you’ll be able to carry the wheel off of the axle and take away the drum brake.
Lifting the Wheel
Earlier than trying to take away the drum brake, the wheel should be lifted off the bottom. Use a jack to boost the car, guaranteeing it’s steady and safe. Use jack stands to offer extra help and security. Discuss with the car’s proprietor’s guide for particular jacking factors and security precautions.
As soon as the car is lifted, place a chock behind the other wheel to forestall sudden motion. If the car has a parking brake, apply it to additional safe it.
Be aware: Security must be prioritized all through this course of. By no means work below a car supported solely by a jack.
Find the lug nuts on the wheel and loosen however don’t take away them completely. Use a lug wrench with the suitable socket dimension to loosen the nuts. It is strongly recommended to make use of a torque wrench to make sure the nuts are loosened to the proper specification.
As soon as the lug nuts are loosened, carry the wheel off the hub. Grip the wheel firmly and pull it straight in direction of you, avoiding rocking or jarring it to forestall harm to the wheel bearings.
Place the wheel apart in a secure location till it’s wanted for reassembly.
Finding the Brake Caliper
6. Take away the Caliper Bracket Bolts
Find the caliper bracket bolts, that are normally two bolts on both facet of the caliper. These bolts safe the caliper to the steering knuckle. Use the suitable socket wrench or spanner to loosen and take away the bolts. Watch out to not drop the bolts or some other elements as you take away them.
| Bolt Dimension | Socket/Spanner Dimension |
|---|---|
| 12mm | 14mm |
| 14mm | 17mm |
| 16mm | 19mm |
As soon as the bolts are eliminated, the caliper bracket will grow to be unfastened. Maintain the caliper and gently pull it away from the rotor. Watch out to not harm the brake hose or some other parts as you take away the caliper.
Disconnecting the Brake Caliper
1. **Take away the caliper bolts:** Find the 2 bolts that safe the caliper to the caliper bracket or steering knuckle. They’re normally 17mm or 19mm bolts. Take away the bolts fully.
2. **Elevate the caliper off the rotor:** As soon as the bolts are eliminated, rigorously carry the caliper straight up and off the rotor. It might be barely caught, so use a bit pressure if mandatory.
3. **Disconnect the brake line:** The brake line is linked to the caliper by way of a banjo bolt. Use a 10mm or 12mm wrench to loosen the banjo bolt, being cautious to not kink or harm the brake line.
4. **Take away the brake pads:** The brake pads are held in place by clips or pins. Take away the clips or pins, after which slide the brake pads out of the caliper.
5. **Examine the brake caliper:** Earlier than reinstalling the caliper, examine it for any harm or leaks. Should you discover any points, it is best to exchange the caliper.
6. **Lubricate the caliper slide pins:** The caliper slide pins are liable for permitting the caliper to maneuver when the brakes are utilized. Lubricate them with high-temperature brake grease to make sure easy operation.
7. **Reinstall the caliper:** Align the caliper over the rotor and slide it into place. Tighten the caliper bolts to the desired torque. Join the brake line to the caliper and tighten the banjo bolt.
Brake Caliper Bolt Torque Specs
| Car | Torque |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic | 118 ft-lbs |
| Toyota Camry | 103 ft-lbs |
| Ford F-150 | 150 ft-lbs |
Eradicating the Caliper Bolts
The caliper bolts are situated on the rear of the caliper and are usually accessible from the wheel nicely. You will want a wrench or socket to take away these bolts. As soon as the bolts are eliminated, it’s best to have the ability to gently pry the caliper off of the rotor.
Ideas for Eradicating the Caliper Bolts
Listed here are some useful ideas for eradicating the caliper bolts:
- If the bolts are rusted or seized, you could want to make use of a penetrating oil to loosen them up.
- Use a wrench or socket that’s the appropriate dimension for the bolts. Don’t overtighten the bolts, as this will harm them.
- As soon as the bolts are loosened, you could possibly take away them by hand.
Desk of Bolt Sizes for Widespread Drum Brake Calipers
| Make | Mannequin | Bolt Dimension |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | Silverado | 15mm |
| Ford | F-150 | 13mm |
| Dodge | Ram 1500 | 14mm |
Extracting the Drum Brake Meeting
9. Extracting the Brake Cylinder
The brake cylinder is the element that actuates the brake sneakers in opposition to the drum. Here is an in depth walkthrough of extracting it:
- Find the brake line linked to the brake cylinder. It is usually held in place by a steel clip or a bolt.
- Rigorously disconnect the brake line by loosening the clip or eradicating the bolt. Be cautious to not spill brake fluid.
- Assist the brake cylinder with one hand and information it out utilizing the opposite. It’d require some mild maneuvering to clear obstacles.
- Unclip or unscrew any extra bolts or retainers that could be securing the brake cylinder to the backing plate.
- Elevate the brake cylinder straight out of the backing plate. Guarantee there aren’t any wires or cables nonetheless hooked up to it.
- Examine the brake cylinder for any indicators of leakage or harm. If mandatory, change it with a brand new one.
| Tip: |
|---|
| – Use a brake cleaner to take away any grime or particles from the cylinder and its mounting floor earlier than reinstalling it. |
| – If the brake cylinder is rusted or corroded, it might require extra pressure to take away. Use warning to keep away from damaging the encompassing parts. |
| – Guarantee the brand new brake cylinder is appropriate along with your car and brake system. |
Inspecting and Changing Brake Elements
As soon as the drum brake is off, it is essential to examine the brake parts for put on or harm. Examine the brake linings, brake shoe levers, and return springs. Search for corrosion, cracks, or worn surfaces.
Changing Brake Elements
Should you discover any broken or worn parts, they may must be changed. Listed here are the steps to exchange the commonest brake parts:
- Brake linings: Unclip the outdated brake linings from the brake shoe levers and set up the brand new linings. Safe them with new clips or rivets.
- Brake shoe levers: Take away the brake shoe levers from the brake backplate. Exchange them with new levers and tighten the bolts securely.
- Return springs: Unhook the outdated return springs from the brake shoe levers. Hook the brand new springs in place and modify them to make sure correct return of the brake sneakers.
Inspecting for Widespread Brake Points
| Concern | Signs |
|---|---|
| Worn brake linings | Squealing or grinding noise when braking, poor brake efficiency |
| Broken brake shoe levers | Brake sneakers not returning correctly, poor brake efficiency |
| Weak or damaged return springs | Brake sneakers not returning correctly, poor brake efficiency |
| Contaminated brake linings | Slippery or ineffective braking |
| Seized brake adjusters | Poor brake efficiency, uneven brake put on |
How To Take A Drum Brake Off
To take a drum brake off, you will want the next instruments: a jack, a jack stand, a lug wrench, a socket wrench, and a flat-head screwdriver.
First, you’ll want to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re engaged on. Don’t take away them fully. Then, jack up the automotive and place the jack stand below the automotive.
Subsequent, take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel. You’ll now see the drum brake meeting.
Utilizing the socket wrench, take away the 2 bolts that maintain the drum brake meeting in place. Then, pull the drum brake meeting off of the wheel hub.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Take A Drum Brake Off
What are the signs of a foul drum brake?
The signs of a foul drum brake embrace:
How a lot does it price to exchange drum brakes?
The fee to exchange drum brakes varies relying on the make and mannequin of the automotive, in addition to the placement of the restore. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay between $150 and $300 for the elements and labor.
Can I change drum brakes myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to change drum brakes your self when you have the correct instruments and data. Nonetheless, it is very important word that this can be a considerably advanced restore, and it is very important observe the directions rigorously.
