The upkeep of a automobile is kind of demanding, particularly in terms of the braking system. Drum brakes are one of the vital widespread kinds of brakes discovered on autos, and so they require common upkeep to make sure optimum efficiency. Eradicating a drum brake is usually a difficult process, however it’s important for changing worn-out brake footwear or inspecting the brake system. This complete information will present step-by-step directions on how you can safely and successfully take away a drum brake, making certain the longevity of your automobile’s braking system.
Earlier than embarking on the drum brake removing course of, it’s essential to collect the required instruments and supplies. These embrace a lug wrench, a socket set, a screwdriver, a hammer, and a brake cleaner. Moreover, it is strongly recommended to put on security glasses and gloves to guard your self from potential hazards. Upon getting assembled the required tools and brought the required security precautions, you’ll be able to proceed with the brake removing course of. The next steps will information you thru the process, making certain a clean and profitable final result.
Start the method by loosening the lug nuts on the wheel the place the drum brake is positioned. Don’t take away the lug nuts utterly at this stage. Subsequent, use a jack to boost the automobile, making certain it’s secure and safe. As soon as the automobile is raised, take away the lug nuts and detach the wheel from the automobile. With the wheel eliminated, you should have entry to the drum brake meeting. Fastidiously examine the drum brake and establish the brake adjuster. The brake adjuster is usually positioned on the backside of the backing plate and is liable for adjusting the brake footwear. Utilizing a screwdriver, flip the brake adjuster counterclockwise to loosen it. As soon as the brake adjuster is free, you’ll be able to proceed to take away the drum brake.
Assessing the State of affairs
Earlier than trying to take away the drum brake, it’s essential to completely assess the scenario. Security ought to all the time be a high precedence, so it’s important to make sure that the automobile is correctly parked on a degree floor and that the parking brake is engaged. Collect the required 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 sometimes located behind the wheel and is roofed by a spherical metallic plate or cowl. Take away the quilt by unscrewing the bolts that safe it in place. As soon as the quilt is eliminated, you will notice the brake drum, which is connected to the wheel hub by a sequence of lug nuts. Utilizing the socket wrench and applicable socket, rigorously loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise. Be conscious to not take away them utterly at this stage.
Lastly, examine the brake footwear and {hardware}. The brake footwear needs to be pressed towards 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 footwear 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 Vital Instruments
Earlier than embarking on the duty of eradicating a drum brake, it’s crucial to assemble the required instruments to make sure a clean and environment friendly course of. The next objects are important for the profitable completion of this enterprise:
Important Instruments:
1. Lug wrench or influence wrench: This instrument is used to loosen and take away the lug nuts that safe the wheel to the axle.
2. Drum brake puller: This specialised instrument 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 strain and steadily separating the drum from the axle.
| Drum Brake Puller Elements | Utilization |
|---|---|
| Threaded rod | Tightened to generate strain and pull the drum |
| Legs | Positioned behind the drum for assist 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, making certain a correct cleansing course of.
4. Ratchet wrench: This instrument 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 metallic particles will be hazardous to the eyes.
6. Gloves: Gloves are advisable to guard fingers 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 sometimes massive, hexagonal nuts positioned across the perimeter of the wheel.
Choose the suitable socket wrench that matches the scale of the lug nuts. Make sure the socket is firmly seated on the nut to forestall slipping throughout removing.
With regular strain, loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise utilizing the socket wrench. Ensure to take action steadily, making certain 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 elevate the wheel away from the brake drum and set it apart in a safe location. Word that some autos could have a locking lug nut that requires a particular key for removing. Verify your automobile’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 the entire lug bolts on the wheel.
Suggestions 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 need to use a socket wrench with a 19mm socket.
- Watch out to not overtighten the lug bolts if you put the wheel again on.
As soon as the lug bolts have been eliminated, you’ll be able to elevate 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 have to be lifted off the bottom. Use a jack to boost the automobile, making certain it’s secure and safe. Use jack stands to offer further assist and security. Check with the automobile’s proprietor’s guide for particular jacking factors and security precautions.
As soon as the automobile is lifted, place a chock behind the other wheel to forestall surprising motion. If the automobile has a parking brake, apply it to additional safe it.
Word: Security needs to be prioritized all through this course of. By no means work beneath a automobile 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 suggested 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, elevate the wheel off the hub. Grip the wheel firmly and pull it straight in the direction of you, avoiding rocking or jarring it to forestall harm to the wheel bearings.
Place the wheel apart in a protected 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 often 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 every other components 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 turn out to be free. Maintain the caliper and gently pull it away from the rotor. Watch out to not harm the brake hose or every 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 often 17mm or 19mm bolts. Take away the bolts utterly.
2. **Carry the caliper off the rotor:** As soon as the bolts are eliminated, rigorously elevate the caliper straight up and off the rotor. It could be barely caught, so use a bit of power if mandatory.
3. **Disconnect the brake line:** The brake line is related to the caliper through 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. For those who discover any points, it is best to switch 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 clean operation.
7. **Reinstall the caliper:** Align the caliper over the rotor and slide it into place. Tighten the caliper bolts to the required torque. Join the brake line to the caliper and tighten the banjo bolt.
Brake Caliper Bolt Torque Specs
| Automobile | 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 positioned on the rear of the caliper and are sometimes accessible from the wheel properly. You will have a wrench or socket to take away these bolts. As soon as the bolts are eliminated, it is best to be capable of gently pry the caliper off of the rotor.
Suggestions for Eradicating the Caliper Bolts
Listed here are some useful suggestions for eradicating the caliper bolts:
- If the bolts are rusted or seized, chances are you’ll 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 may harm them.
- As soon as the bolts are loosened, you could possibly take away them by hand.
Desk of Bolt Sizes for Frequent 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 part that actuates the brake footwear towards the drum. Here is an in depth walkthrough of extracting it:
- Find the brake line related to the brake cylinder. It is sometimes held in place by a metallic clip or a bolt.
- Fastidiously disconnect the brake line by loosening the clip or eradicating the bolt. Be cautious to not spill brake fluid.
- Help the brake cylinder with one hand and information it out utilizing the opposite. It would require some light maneuvering to clear obstacles.
- Unclip or unscrew any further bolts or retainers which may be securing the brake cylinder to the backing plate.
- Carry the brake cylinder straight out of the backing plate. Guarantee there are not any wires or cables nonetheless connected to it.
- Examine the brake cylinder for any indicators of leakage or harm. If mandatory, substitute it with a brand new one.
| Tip: |
|---|
| – Use a brake cleaner to take away any filth 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 power to take away. Use warning to keep away from damaging the encompassing parts. |
| – Guarantee the brand new brake cylinder is appropriate along with your automobile and brake system. |
Inspecting and Changing Brake Elements
As soon as the drum brake is off, it is necessary 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
For those who discover any broken or worn parts, they may have to be changed. Listed here are the steps to switch the commonest brake parts:
- Brake linings: Unclip the previous 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. Change them with new levers and tighten the bolts securely.
- Return springs: Unhook the previous return springs from the brake shoe levers. Hook the brand new springs in place and alter them to make sure correct return of the brake footwear.
Inspecting for Frequent Brake Points
| Subject | Signs |
|---|---|
| Worn brake linings | Squealing or grinding noise when braking, poor brake efficiency |
| Broken brake shoe levers | Brake footwear not returning correctly, poor brake efficiency |
| Weak or damaged return springs | Brake footwear 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, it’s worthwhile to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re engaged on. Don’t take away them utterly. Then, jack up the automobile and place the jack stand beneath the automobile.
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 value to switch drum brakes?
The price to switch drum brakes varies relying on the make and mannequin of the automobile, in addition to the placement of the restore. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $150 and $300 for the components and labor.
Can I substitute drum brakes myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to substitute drum brakes your self in case you have the right instruments and data. Nevertheless, you will need to be aware that it is a considerably complicated restore, and you will need to observe the directions rigorously.
