how to unstick drum brakes

How to Unstick Drum Brakes

Drum brakes play a crucial role in a vehicle's braking system, providing effective stopping power. However, sometimes they can become stuck or seize, causing various issues such as poor performance or even complete failure to stop. If you find that your drum brakes are sticky, don’t worry; you can often resolve the issue with some troubleshooting and maintenance. This article will guide you through the process of unsticking drum brakes, ensuring your vehicle is safe and functional again.

Understanding Drum Brake Mechanics

Before diving into the un-sticking process, it’s essential to understand how drum brakes work. Drum brakes have a cylindrical drum that rotates with the wheel. Inside the drum, brake shoes press against its inner surface to create friction and slow down the vehicle. When these components become stuck due to rust, corrosion, dirt, or a lack of lubrication, efficient braking is compromised.

Tools You Will Need

To unstick your drum brakes, gather the following tools - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake cleaner - Screwdriver - Pliers - Lubricant (preferably silicone-based) - Clean rags

Step-by-Step Process to Unstick Drum Brakes

1. Safety First Park your vehicle on a flat surface and activate the parking brake. Make sure the engine is off.

2. Lift the Vehicle Use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel associated with the stuck brakes. Then, jack up the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.

3. Remove the Wheel Take off the wheel by fully removing the lug nuts. Set the wheel aside in a safe location.

4. Inspect the Drum Examine the drum for any visible signs of damage or contamination. Look for rust, dirt, or brake dust accumulation.

5. Clean the Drum Use brake cleaner and a clean rag to remove dirt and debris from the drum and brake shoes. Ensure you do this in a well-ventilated area, as brake cleaner can emit harmful fumes.

6. Check for Seizures If the brake shoes seem locked against the drum, gently tap the drum with a rubber mallet to help free any stuck components. Be careful not to damage the drum during this process.

7. Lubricate Moving Parts Apply a silicone-based lubricant to any moving components you can see. Focus on the pivot points of the brake shoes and the adjuster mechanism. Avoid getting lubricant on the friction surfaces.

8. Reassemble Once you have cleaned and lubricated the necessary parts, reattach the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

9. Lower the Vehicle Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground using the jack. Once it’s stable, finish tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.

10. Test the Brakes After the vehicle is back on the ground, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the brake shoes against the drum properly. Take the vehicle for a short test drive to ensure that the brakes are functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Unsticking drum brakes is a straightforward process that can save you from costly repairs or accidents. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, can prevent your drum brakes from sticking in the future. If problems persist despite your efforts, it may be time to consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and service. Ensuring your braking system operates effectively is essential for your safety and the safety of others on the road.