how to change brake drums

How to Change Brake Drums A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing brake drums is an essential maintenance task that can contribute to the safety and performance of your vehicle. Over time, brake drums can wear down or become corroded, leading to decreased braking efficiency and potential safety hazards. In this article, we will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to change brake drums, ensuring that you can confidently perform this task at home.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, it's essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials

Tools - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake drum puller (if necessary) - Torque wrench - Screwdrivers - Pliers - Rubber mallet

Materials - New brake drums - New brake shoes (if changing) - Brake cleaner - Anti-seize lubricant - Safety glasses - Gloves

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Find a Safe Working Environment Park your vehicle on a flat, stable surface away from traffic. Set the parking brake to prevent any movement.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Using the lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheels associated with the brake drums that you intend to replace. Do not remove them completely yet.

Step 2 Lift the Vehicle

1. Jack Up the Vehicle Place the jack under the vehicle's appropriate jacking point, typically found in the owner's manual. Raise the vehicle until it’s high enough to remove the wheels.

2. Secure with Jack Stands Once the vehicle is lifted, place jack stands under the vehicle for additional safety. Never rely solely on a jack.

3. Remove the Wheels Now you can completely remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the wheels, exposing the brake drums.

Step 3 Remove the Brake Drums

1. Inspect the Brake Assembly Look at the brake components. If the drums show signs of excessive wear or damage, they're due for a replacement.

2. Remove the Brake Drum - If the drum is stuck due to rust or corrosion, you can use a rubber mallet to tap around the edges to free it. - In some cases, a brake drum puller may be necessary if the drum does not come off with a little coaxing.

1. Inspect the Brake Shoes If your brake shoes are worn, now is the time to replace them. Look for signs of wear or cracking.

2. Remove Old Brake Shoes Carefully detach the old brake shoes from the backing plate. This typically involves removing springs and clips, which can be easily done with pliers.

3. Install New Brake Shoes Position the new brake shoes in the same orientation as the old ones. Reattach all springs and clips securely.

Step 5 Install New Brake Drums

1. Clean the Brake Components Before installation, clean the brake assembly and the new brake drums using brake cleaner to remove dust and grease.

2. Lubricate Apply anti-seize lubricant to the wheel hub to prevent the new drums from sticking in the future.

3. Mount the New Brake Drums Slide the new brake drums onto the wheel hub, ensuring they fit snugly and rotate freely.

Step 6 Reassemble Everything

1. Reattach the Wheels Place the wheels back onto the vehicle, and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

2. Lower the Vehicle Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground using the jack.

3. Tighten the Lug Nuts Once the vehicle is on the ground, use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.

Step 7 Test the Brakes

1. Pump the Brake Pedal Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the new brake shoes against the drums.

2. Test Drive Take the vehicle for a short test drive at low speeds to ensure that everything is working correctly and there are no unusual noises.

Conclusion

Changing brake drums may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it's a manageable DIY task. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your vehicle but also ensures your safety on the road. If you're ever unsure or uncomfortable with the process, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional mechanic. Safe driving!