replace drum brakes

Replacing Drum Brakes A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, brakes are undeniably one of the most critical components to consider. Among different braking systems, drum brakes, despite being less common in modern vehicles, still find their use primarily in older cars, trucks, and some SUVs. Understanding how to replace drum brakes is essential for any car enthusiast or everyday driver looking to save on repair costs and ensure safety on the road. In this guide, we’ll explore the process of replacing drum brakes step-by-step.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before diving into the replacement process, it’s important to understand how drum brakes function. Drum brakes consist of a hollow drum that rotates with the wheel and brake shoes that press against the inner surface of the drum to create friction, thereby slowing down or stopping the vehicle. Over time, these components wear out, leading to decreased performance and safety risks. Signs that you may need to replace your drum brakes include squeaking noises, a decrease in braking power, or vibrations when braking.

Replacing drum brakes requires specific tools and materials. Here’s a list of what you will need

- Tools - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Screwdriver set - Pliers - Brake cleaner - Torque wrench - Socket set - Materials - New brake shoes - Brake drum (if needed) - Brake grease - Replacement springs (if necessary)

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Drum Brakes

1. Preparation Safety First Start by ensuring your vehicle is parked on a flat surface, and always engage the parking brake. Gather all your tools and materials before proceeding.

2. Lifting the Vehicle Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where you will be replacing the brakes. Do not remove them completely yet. Then, use the jack to lift the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Never rely solely on the jack for support.

3. Removing the Wheel Once the vehicle is securely lifted, finish removing the lug nuts and take off the wheel. Set it aside in a safe location.

4. Accessing the Brake Drum Locate the brake drum, which is attached to the wheel hub. In some cases, you may need to remove retaining screws or clips holding the drum in place. Gently pull the drum off; if it’s stuck, a soft mallet can help to loosen it.

5. Inspecting Components With the brake drum removed, inspect the brake shoes, springs, and other components for wear and damage. If the brake shoes have worn down to less than a quarter of an inch, they need to be replaced.

6. Removing Old Brake Shoes Disconnect the springs and remove the old brake shoes. Remember how everything is assembled; taking pictures can be helpful for reference. Use pliers or a screwdriver to carefully detach the springs.

7. Installing New Brake Shoes Before installing new brake shoes, apply brake grease to the backing plate where the shoes will rest. Install the new brake shoes in the reverse order of how you removed the old ones. Ensure that they are correctly positioned and securely fastened.

8. Reassembling the Drum Brake Reattach the drum over the newly installed brake shoes. Spin the drum to make sure it moves freely. If it’s too tight, you may need to adjust the brake shoe adjusting screws.

9. Reinstalling the Wheel Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands, then use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

10. Final Checks Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times to ensure the brake shoes seat properly against the drum. Check for any abnormal noises or issues when you start driving.

Conclusion

Replacing drum brakes can be a rewarding DIY project, saving you both time and money. However, if you are not confident in your ability to complete the replacement safely, it is always advisable to consult with a professional mechanic. Regular brake maintenance is crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of your vehicle, so make it a priority. With proper knowledge and tools, you can tackle this task and gain a better understanding of your vehicle's braking system. Happy driving!