The maintenance of a vehicle is quite demanding, especially when it comes to the braking system. Drum brakes are one of the most common types of brakes found on vehicles, and they require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Removing a drum brake can be a challenging task, but it is essential for replacing worn-out brake shoes or inspecting the brake system. This comprehensive guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to safely and effectively remove a drum brake, ensuring the longevity of your vehicle’s braking system.
Before embarking on the drum brake removal process, it is crucial to gather the necessary tools and materials. These include a lug wrench, a socket set, a screwdriver, a hammer, and a brake cleaner. Additionally, it is recommended to wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from potential hazards. Once you have assembled the necessary equipment and taken the necessary safety precautions, you can proceed with the brake removal process. The following steps will guide you through the procedure, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome.
Begin the process by loosening the lug nuts on the wheel where the drum brake is located. Do not remove the lug nuts completely at this stage. Next, use a jack to raise the vehicle, ensuring it is stable and secure. Once the vehicle is raised, remove the lug nuts and detach the wheel from the vehicle. With the wheel removed, you will have access to the drum brake assembly. Carefully inspect the drum brake and identify the brake adjuster. The brake adjuster is typically located at the bottom of the backing plate and is responsible for adjusting the brake shoes. Using a screwdriver, turn the brake adjuster counterclockwise to loosen it. Once the brake adjuster is loose, you can proceed to remove the drum brake.
Assessing the Situation
Before attempting to remove the drum brake, it is crucial to thoroughly assess the situation. Safety should always be a top priority, so it is essential to ensure that the vehicle is properly parked on a level surface and that the parking brake is engaged. Gather the necessary tools, including a socket wrench with an appropriate-sized socket, a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and penetrating oil (if necessary).
Next, locate the drum brake. It is typically situated behind the wheel and is covered by a round metal plate or cover. Remove the cover by unscrewing the bolts that secure it in place. Once the cover is removed, you will see the brake drum, which is attached to the wheel hub by a series of lug nuts. Using the socket wrench and appropriate socket, carefully loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise. Be mindful not to remove them completely at this stage.
Finally, inspect the brake shoes and hardware. The brake shoes should be pressed against the inside of the brake drum, while the hardware (springs, clips, etc.) should hold them in place. Make a note of the position and orientation of the brake shoes and hardware, as you will need to reinstall them in the same manner when reassembling the brake system.
| Tools Required |
|---|
| Socket wrench |
| Phillips head screwdriver |
| Flathead screwdriver |
| Penetrating oil (if necessary) |
Gathering Necessary Tools
Before embarking on the task of removing a drum brake, it is imperative to assemble the necessary tools to ensure a smooth and efficient process. The following items are essential for the successful completion of this undertaking:
Essential Tools:
1. Lug wrench or impact wrench: This tool is used to loosen and remove the lug nuts that secure the wheel to the axle.
2. Drum brake puller: This specialized tool is specifically designed to remove the drum from the axle. It consists of a threaded rod, two legs, and a handle. The legs are placed behind the drum and the threaded rod is tightened, applying pressure and gradually separating the drum from the axle.
| Drum Brake Puller Components | Usage |
|---|---|
| Threaded rod | Tightened to generate pressure and pull the drum |
| Legs | Positioned behind the drum for support and leverage |
| Handle | Used for turning the threaded rod |
3. Brake cleaner: This aerosol cleaner is used to remove brake dust and grime from the brake components, ensuring a proper cleaning process.
4. Ratchet wrench: This tool is used to remove the retaining screws that hold the drum in place.
5. Safety glasses: Eye protection is essential during this process, as brake dust and metal particles can be hazardous to the eyes.
6. Gloves: Gloves are recommended to protect hands from sharp edges and brake dust.
Disconnecting the Wheel Nuts
Step 3: Removing the Wheel Lug Nuts
Locate the lug nuts that secure the wheel to the brake drum. These are typically large, hexagonal nuts located around the perimeter of the wheel.
Select the appropriate socket wrench that fits the size of the lug nuts. Ensure the socket is firmly seated on the nut to prevent slipping during removal.
With steady pressure, loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise using the socket wrench. Be sure to do so gradually, ensuring even loosening on all nuts to avoid warping the brake drum.
Once the lug nuts are sufficiently loosened, remove them by hand. Be cautious not to lose or misplace any nuts during this process.
Gently lift the wheel away from the brake drum and set it aside in a secure location. Note that some vehicles may have a locking lug nut that requires a special key for removal. Check your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions if applicable.
Removing the Lug Bolts
Remove the lug bolts that hold the wheel in place. Use a lug wrench to loosen the bolts, then remove them by hand. Be careful not to strip the threads on the bolts.
Using a Lug Wrench
- Place the lug wrench over the lug bolt.
- Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the bolt.
- Repeat for all of the lug bolts on the wheel.
Tips for Removing Lug Bolts
- If the lug bolts are rusted or stuck, use a penetrating oil to loosen them.
- If you don’t have a lug wrench, you can use a socket wrench with a 19mm socket.
- Be careful not to overtighten the lug bolts when you put the wheel back on.
Once the lug bolts have been removed, you can lift the wheel off of the axle and remove the drum brake.
Lifting the Wheel
Before attempting to remove the drum brake, the wheel must be lifted off the ground. Use a jack to raise the vehicle, ensuring it is stable and secure. Use jack stands to provide additional support and safety. Refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific jacking points and safety precautions.
Once the vehicle is lifted, place a chock behind the opposite wheel to prevent unexpected movement. If the vehicle has a parking brake, apply it to further secure it.
Note: Safety should be prioritized throughout this process. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Locate the lug nuts on the wheel and loosen but do not remove them entirely. Use a lug wrench with the appropriate socket size to loosen the nuts. It is recommended to use a torque wrench to ensure the nuts are loosened to the correct specification.
Once the lug nuts are loosened, lift the wheel off the hub. Grip the wheel firmly and pull it straight towards you, avoiding rocking or jarring it to prevent damage to the wheel bearings.
Place the wheel aside in a safe location until it is needed for reassembly.
Locating the Brake Caliper
6. Remove the Caliper Bracket Bolts
Locate the caliper bracket bolts, which are usually two bolts on either side of the caliper. These bolts secure the caliper to the steering knuckle. Use the appropriate socket wrench or spanner to loosen and remove the bolts. Be careful not to drop the bolts or any other parts as you remove them.
| Bolt Size | Socket/Spanner Size |
|---|---|
| 12mm | 14mm |
| 14mm | 17mm |
| 16mm | 19mm |
Once the bolts are removed, the caliper bracket will become loose. Hold the caliper and gently pull it away from the rotor. Be careful not to damage the brake hose or any other components as you remove the caliper.
Disconnecting the Brake Caliper
1. **Remove the caliper bolts:** Locate the two bolts that secure the caliper to the caliper bracket or steering knuckle. They are usually 17mm or 19mm bolts. Remove the bolts completely.
2. **Lift the caliper off the rotor:** Once the bolts are removed, carefully lift the caliper straight up and off the rotor. It may be slightly stuck, so use a little force if necessary.
3. **Disconnect the brake line:** The brake line is connected to the caliper via a banjo bolt. Use a 10mm or 12mm wrench to loosen the banjo bolt, being careful not to kink or damage the brake line.
4. **Remove the brake pads:** The brake pads are held in place by clips or pins. Remove the clips or pins, and then slide the brake pads out of the caliper.
5. **Inspect the brake caliper:** Before reinstalling the caliper, inspect it for any damage or leaks. If you find any issues, it’s best to replace the caliper.
6. **Lubricate the caliper slide pins:** The caliper slide pins are responsible for allowing the caliper to move when the brakes are applied. Lubricate them with high-temperature brake grease to ensure smooth operation.
7. **Reinstall the caliper:** Align the caliper over the rotor and slide it into place. Tighten the caliper bolts to the specified torque. Connect the brake line to the caliper and tighten the banjo bolt.
Brake Caliper Bolt Torque Specifications
| Vehicle | Torque |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic | 118 ft-lbs |
| Toyota Camry | 103 ft-lbs |
| Ford F-150 | 150 ft-lbs |
Removing the Caliper Bolts
The caliper bolts are located at the rear of the caliper and are typically accessible from the wheel well. You will need a wrench or socket to remove these bolts. Once the bolts are removed, you should be able to gently pry the caliper off of the rotor.
Tips for Removing the Caliper Bolts
Here are some helpful tips for removing the caliper bolts:
- If the bolts are rusted or seized, you may need to use a penetrating oil to loosen them up.
- Use a wrench or socket that is the correct size for the bolts. Do not overtighten the bolts, as this can damage them.
- Once the bolts are loosened, you may be able to remove them by hand.
Table of Bolt Sizes for Common Drum Brake Calipers
| Make | Model | Bolt Size |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | Silverado | 15mm |
| Ford | F-150 | 13mm |
| Dodge | Ram 1500 | 14mm |
Extracting the Drum Brake Assembly
9. Extracting the Brake Cylinder
The brake cylinder is the component that actuates the brake shoes against the drum. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of extracting it:
- Locate the brake line connected to the brake cylinder. It’s typically held in place by a metal clip or a bolt.
- Carefully disconnect the brake line by loosening the clip or removing the bolt. Be cautious not to spill brake fluid.
- Support the brake cylinder with one hand and guide it out using the other. It might require some gentle maneuvering to clear obstacles.
- Unclip or unscrew any additional bolts or retainers that may be securing the brake cylinder to the backing plate.
- Lift the brake cylinder straight out of the backing plate. Ensure there are no wires or cables still attached to it.
- Inspect the brake cylinder for any signs of leakage or damage. If necessary, replace it with a new one.
| Tip: |
|---|
| – Use a brake cleaner to remove any dirt or debris from the cylinder and its mounting surface before reinstalling it. |
| – If the brake cylinder is rusted or corroded, it may require more force to remove. Use caution to avoid damaging the surrounding components. |
| – Ensure the new brake cylinder is compatible with your vehicle and brake system. |
Inspecting and Replacing Brake Components
Once the drum brake is off, it’s important to inspect the brake components for wear or damage. Inspect the brake linings, brake shoe levers, and return springs. Look for corrosion, cracks, or worn surfaces.
Replacing Brake Components
If you find any damaged or worn components, they will need to be replaced. Here are the steps to replace the most common brake components:
- Brake linings: Unclip the old brake linings from the brake shoe levers and install the new linings. Secure them with new clips or rivets.
- Brake shoe levers: Remove the brake shoe levers from the brake backplate. Replace them with new levers and tighten the bolts securely.
- Return springs: Unhook the old return springs from the brake shoe levers. Hook the new springs in place and adjust them to ensure proper return of the brake shoes.
Inspecting for Common Brake Issues
| Issue | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Worn brake linings | Squealing or grinding noise when braking, poor brake performance |
| Damaged brake shoe levers | Brake shoes not returning properly, poor brake performance |
| Weak or broken return springs | Brake shoes not returning properly, poor brake performance |
| Contaminated brake linings | Slippery or ineffective braking |
| Seized brake adjusters | Poor brake performance, uneven brake wear |
How To Take A Drum Brake Off
To take a drum brake off, you will need the following tools: a jack, a jack stand, a lug wrench, a socket wrench, and a flat-head screwdriver.
First, you need to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you are working on. Do not remove them completely. Then, jack up the car and place the jack stand under the car.
Next, remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel. You will now see the drum brake assembly.
Using the socket wrench, remove the two bolts that hold the drum brake assembly in place. Then, pull the drum brake assembly off of the wheel hub.
People Also Ask About How To Take A Drum Brake Off
What are the symptoms of a bad drum brake?
The symptoms of a bad drum brake include:
How much does it cost to replace drum brakes?
The cost to replace drum brakes varies depending on the make and model of the car, as well as the location of the repair. However, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the parts and labor.
Can I replace drum brakes myself?
Yes, you can replace drum brakes yourself if you have the proper tools and knowledge. However, it is important to note that this is a somewhat complex repair, and it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
