When working correctly, drum brakes are simply as efficient as disc brakes, and require much less upkeep, however after they’re not performing properly, it’s worthwhile to entry the issue quick. It is attainable to regulate drum brakes your self, and it is a comparatively easy challenge that may require minimal funding when it comes to money and time. Earlier than you start, decide in case your automobile has drum brakes by taking a look at the kind of lug nuts on every wheel. Lug nuts which have a flat face are used to entry disc brakes, whereas lug nuts which have a cone form are used to entry drum brakes.
Subsequent, collect some fundamental instruments and supplies: a flooring jack, a jack stand, a lug wrench, a big flathead screwdriver, a brake adjusting spoon, and a flashlight. Security ought to be your prime precedence, so earlier than you raise your automobile, discover a stable, stage floor to carry out the restore. Apply the parking brake to maintain the automobile from transferring, then use the ground jack and jack stand to raise the automobile. Take away the lug nuts with the lug wrench and punctiliously take away the wheel. After you determine the brake drum, take away the brake drum by pulling it straight towards you.
Examine the brake footwear and alter them as wanted with the brake adjusting spoon. If the footwear are worn down, exchange them with new ones. Examine the brake drum for any indicators of injury, equivalent to cracks or gouges. If the brake drum is broken, exchange it with a brand new one. Reinstall the brake drum and wheel, then tighten the lug nuts. Decrease the automobile and take away the jack stand. Pump the brake pedal a number of instances to construct stress within the brake system and verify the brake adjustment. If crucial, make additional changes till the brakes are working correctly.
Figuring out the Brake System
Earlier than adjusting the drum brake, it’s essential to find out the kind of brake system put in in your automobile. There are two main brake techniques generally present in automobiles: disc brake techniques and drum brake techniques.
Drum brake techniques are characterised by the presence of brake drums, that are cylindrical elements that enclose the brake footwear. When the brake pedal is depressed, hydraulic stress forces the brake footwear to broaden towards the inside floor of the brake drum, creating friction and slowing down the automobile. Drum brake techniques are usually much less environment friendly than disc brake techniques however are less expensive and simpler to keep up.
Disc brake techniques, alternatively, make the most of brake calipers and brake discs (also called rotors). When the brake pedal is utilized, hydraulic stress pushes brake pads towards the brake discs, producing friction and stopping the automobile. Disc brake techniques supply improved braking efficiency, lowered fade, and elevated sturdiness in comparison with drum brake techniques.
| Brake System Sort | Key Elements |
|---|---|
| Drum Brake System | Brake drums, brake footwear |
| Disc Brake System | Brake calipers, brake pads, brake discs (rotors) |
To find out the kind of brake system in your automobile, visually examine the wheels. Drum brake techniques could have brake drums seen behind the wheels, whereas disc brake techniques could have brake calipers adjoining to the brake discs.
Gathering Vital Instruments
Earlier than embarking on the duty of adjusting drum brakes, it’s essential to collect the required instruments to make sure the job is finished effectively and safely. The next checklist outlines the important instruments required:
Jack and Jack Stands
A jack is critical to raise the automobile, whereas jack stands present stability and security in the course of the adjustment course of. Be certain that the jack is of an applicable tonnage capability for the burden of the automobile and that the jack stands are rated for a similar.
Lug Wrench or Affect Wrench
A lug wrench or affect wrench is required to take away and reinstall the lug nuts that safe the wheel to the hub. It is very important choose the proper measurement and kind of wrench for the lug nuts on the automobile.
Drum Brake Adjusting Software
A drum brake adjusting device is particularly designed to rotate the brake adjuster star wheel, which adjusts the brake shoe clearance. This specialised device is essential for reaching exact changes.
Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks forestall the automobile from rolling whereas it’s elevated on the jack and jack stands. Place the chocks behind the wheels reverse the aspect being labored on to make sure stability.
Security Glasses and Gloves
Security glasses and gloves shield the eyes and fingers from potential particles or sharp edges in the course of the adjustment course of.
Along with the instruments listed above, a flashlight or headlamp could also be useful for illuminating the work space, particularly if the changes are being carried out in a dimly lit setting.
Inserting the Adjustment Software
To entry the brake adjuster, you will must take away the drum. As soon as the drum is off, find the star-shaped adjuster wheel on the again of the brake plate. Insert the adjustment device, normally a flathead screwdriver or a selected brake adjuster device, into one of many slots on the wheel.
Figuring out the Brake Adjuster Wheel
The brake adjuster wheel is usually positioned on the again of the brake plate, behind the brake footwear. It might be coated by a rubber plug or cap. For those who’re having issue discovering it, seek advice from your automobile’s restore guide or seek the advice of with a mechanic.
Selecting the Right Adjustment Software
The suitable adjustment device relies on the kind of brake system utilized in your automobile. Most trendy automobiles use a flathead screwdriver, however older fashions or automobiles with particular brake techniques could require a unique device. Seek the advice of your automobile’s restore guide or a mechanic to determine the proper device to your automobile.
Inserting the Adjustment Software into the Slot
After you have recognized the adjuster wheel and chosen the proper device, insert the device into one of many slots on the wheel. Be certain that the device is absolutely engaged within the slot to forestall it from slipping or damaging the wheel.
Guaranteeing Correct Brake Shoe Clearance
Correct brake shoe clearance is essential for clean and efficient braking. Listed below are the steps to make sure it:
1. Carry and Safe the Car
Jack up the automobile and place it on jack stands for secure and easy accessibility to the brake meeting.
2. Take away the Wheel
Take away the lug nuts and punctiliously take off the wheel to show the brake drum.
3. Examine the Brake Drum
Verify for any injury, put on, or contamination on the brake drum. Clear the floor with a wire brush if crucial.
4. Reinstall the Wheel
Briefly reinstall the wheel with out tightening the lug nuts. This can assist align the brake footwear.
5. Alter the Star Wheel
Find the star wheel or adjuster positioned on the backing plate. Use a flathead screwdriver to show the star wheel in small increments. One click on at a time is mostly adequate.
6. Take a look at Brake Engagement
Repeatedly pump the brake pedal and rotate the wheel by hand. The brake footwear ought to make contact with the drum however not drag excessively.
7. Positive-Tune the Adjustment
As soon as the preliminary adjustment is made, use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance between the brake footwear and the drum. The clearance ought to be as follows:
| Drum Diameter | Clearance |
|---|---|
| <10 inches | 0.015 – 0.030 inches |
| 10 inches or bigger | 0.030 – 0.060 inches |
Proceed fine-tuning the adjustment till the proper clearance is achieved. The brake footwear ought to contact the drum evenly across the circumference.
Tightening Locknut
With the locknut in place, it is time to tighten it down. Start by utilizing a wrench to snugly tighten the locknut towards the backing plate. As soon as it is safe, use a pair of pliers to additional tighten the locknut by about 1/4 to 1/2 flip. This can be sure that the locknut is sufficiently tightened however not overtightened, which might injury the threads.
Warning: Don’t overtighten the locknut, as this might trigger injury to the backing plate or the brake drum.
| Software(s) Required | Function |
|---|---|
| Wrench | To tighten the locknut |
| Pliers | To additional tighten the locknut |
Tip: If you do not have pliers, you should utilize a hammer and a nail to tighten the locknut. Merely place the nail on the pinnacle of the locknut and gently faucet it with the hammer till the locknut is tight.
Easy methods to Alter a Drum Brake
Drum brakes are a kind of brake system that makes use of a rotating drum to gradual or cease a automobile’s wheels. The drum brake system consists of a wheel cylinder, brake footwear, brake drums, and a return spring. The wheel cylinder is related to the brake pedal and is chargeable for activating the brake footwear. When the brake pedal is depressed, the wheel cylinder pushes the brake footwear towards the inside floor of the brake drums, which in flip slows or stops the automobile’s wheels.
Drum brakes require periodic adjustment to make sure that they’re working correctly. To regulate a drum brake, you will have the next instruments:
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Drum brake adjusting spoon
- Brake cleaner
- Brake fluid
After you have gathered the required instruments, you’ll be able to observe these steps to regulate a drum brake:
1. Park the automobile on a stage floor and interact the parking brake.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you will alter, however don’t take away them utterly.
3. Increase the automobile utilizing the jack and jack stands.
4. Take away the lug nuts and wheel.
5. Use the flathead screwdriver to take away the brake drum retaining screws.
6. Pull the brake drum off of the wheel hub.
7. Examine the brake footwear and brake drums for put on or injury. If the brake footwear or brake drums are worn or broken, they need to get replaced.
8. Use the brake brake adjusting spoon to regulate the brake footwear. The brake footwear ought to be adjusted in order that they’re about 1/16 of an inch away from the brake drums.
9. Exchange the brake drum and brake drum retaining screws.
10. Repeat steps 2-9 for the opposite wheel.
11. Decrease the automobile and tighten the lug nuts.
12. Take a look at the brakes to make it possible for they’re working correctly.
Individuals Additionally Ask About Easy methods to Alter a Drum Brake
What are the indicators and signs of a drum brake that must be adjusted?
The next are a number of the indicators and signs of a drum brake that must be adjusted:
- The brake pedal feels spongy or tender.
- The automobile pulls to at least one aspect when braking.
- The brake pads are making a squealing noise.
- The automobile’s brakes should not stopping the automobile as successfully as they need to.
How usually ought to drum brakes be adjusted?
Drum brakes ought to be adjusted each 10,000 to fifteen,000 miles, or as wanted.
Can I alter drum brakes myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to alter drum brakes your self, however it is very important observe the steps rigorously and to make it possible for the brakes are adjusted correctly. In case you are not snug adjusting drum brakes your self, you’ll be able to at all times take your automobile to a mechanic.
How a lot does it price to regulate drum brakes?
The associated fee to regulate drum brakes varies relying on the make and mannequin of the automobile. Nonetheless, the common price to regulate drum brakes is between $50 and $100.
