how to change a drum brake

How to Change a Drum Brake

Changing a drum brake may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can perform this maintenance task yourself. Drum brakes are commonly used in many vehicles, especially in older models and smaller cars. Knowing how to change them can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change a drum brake.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting, gather the following tools and materials

- Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Screwdriver set - Brake cleaner - New brake shoes - Drum brake spring tool (optional but recommended) - Torque wrench (for reassembly)

Step 1 Preparation

1. Safety First Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and that the car is parked on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Using a lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you will be working on. Do not remove them completely yet.

3. Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the car off the ground. Secure the vehicle with jack stands to ensure it is stable and safe while you work.

Step 2 Remove the Wheel

1. Remove Lug Nuts Now that the vehicle is supported safely, completely remove the lug nuts and take the wheel off. Set it aside.

Step 3 Accessing the Drum Brake

1. Inspect the Brake Assembly Take a moment to observe how the brake assembly looks. This will help you remember how to put everything back together.

2. Remove the Brake Drum If the drum is stuck, tap it lightly with a hammer to loosen it. Be careful not to damage the drum. Once loose, pull the drum straight off.

Step 4 Removing Old Brake Shoes

1. Take Photos It’s a good practice to take pictures of the brake assembly before disassembly for reference.

2. Remove Springs and Clips Using a screwdriver or brake spring tool, carefully remove the springs and retaining clips that hold the brake shoes in place. Keep these components as they may be reused with the new shoes.

3. Take Off the Brake Shoes Once the springs are removed, take out the old brake shoes. Note their arrangement so you can replicate it when installing the new shoes.

Step 5 Install New Brake Shoes

1. Clean the Assembly Use brake cleaner to remove any dust and debris from the drum brake assembly. This ensures everything functions smoothly.

2. Install New Shoes Position the new brake shoes on the backing plate. Ensure that the shoes fit into the same location as the old ones. Reattach the springs and clips in the reverse order they were removed.

Step 6 Reassemble the Drum Brake

1. Reinstall the Brake Drum Carefully position the drum back onto the wheel hub. Make sure it spins freely; if it doesn’t, adjust the shoes by turning the adjuster wheel located on the backing plate.

2. Put the Wheel Back On Replace the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

Step 7 Lower the Vehicle

1. Lower the Car Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground.

2. Tighten Lug Nuts Once the vehicle is lowered, use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. This ensures the wheel is secure.

Step 8 Test Your Work

1. Test Drive Before hitting the road, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the shoes against the drum. Check for any unusual noises while driving at low speeds.

2. Check for Issues After a short drive, recheck the wheels and the brake system to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Changing a drum brake may require some time and effort, but following these steps makes the process straightforward. Always remember that your safety is paramount. If you encounter issues beyond your skill level or confidence, it is advisable to seek professional help. Regular maintenance of your vehicle’s braking system is crucial for safety, and understanding how to change a drum brake is a valuable skill for any car owner.