changing drum brake pads

Changing Drum Brake Pads A Comprehensive Guide

Changing drum brake pads is an essential maintenance task that every vehicle owner should be familiar with. Drum brakes are commonly found on the rear wheels of many vehicles, and while they may not be as prevalent as disc brakes, understanding their operation and maintenance is crucial to ensure your vehicle's safety and performance.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before diving into the procedure of changing drum brake pads, it’s important to understand how drum brakes work. Drum brakes consist of a cylindrical drum that rotates with the wheel. Inside the drum, there are brake shoes lined with friction material. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the brake shoes against the inner surface of the drum, creating the friction needed to slow down or stop the vehicle.

Over time, the friction material on the brake shoes wears down, reducing their efficacy. Signs of worn-out brake pads can include a squealing sound, a decrease in braking performance, or a pulling sensation when braking. To maintain safety, it’s advisable to replace the brake shoes as soon as these signs appear.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting the process, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need

- Lug wrench - Jack and jack stands - Brake shoe replacement kit - Brake cleaner - Socket set - Screwdriver - Safety goggles and gloves

It's also wise to have a repair manual specific to your vehicle model on hand, as it may contain helpful diagrams and specifications.

1. Safety First Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and wear safety goggles and gloves.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Before lifting the vehicle, use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels.

3. Raise the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the rear of the car and secure it with jack stands. Make sure it is stable before proceeding.

4. Remove the Wheel Once the vehicle is safely raised, remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel to expose the drum brake assembly.

5. Remove the Brake Drum If the drum does not easily slide off, check for any retaining screws or clips that may be holding it in place. Once removed, slide off the drum to access the brake shoes.

6. Take Note of the Assembly Before removing the old brake shoes, take pictures or make notes on how the assembly is configured. This will help you when installing the new shoes.

7. Remove Old Brake Shoes Carefully unhook and remove the old brake shoes. Pay attention to the springs and clips, which may also need to be replaced.

8. Install New Brake Shoes Following your notes or pictures, install the new brake shoes in the same configuration as the old ones. Ensure all springs and clips are securely attached.

9. Reassemble and Test Replace the brake drum, reinstall the wheel, and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the car and then tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the brake shoes before driving.

10. Check Your Work Finally, take the vehicle for a short test drive to ensure everything is functioning properly. Listen for any unusual sounds and check the braking performance.

Conclusion

Changing drum brake pads may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it can be a rewarding DIY project. Regular maintenance not only enhances your vehicle's safety but also extends the lifespan of brake components. Always consult your vehicle's manual for specifics, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if you're uncertain about any step in the process. Happy braking!