how to take off stuck drum brakes

How to Take Off Stuck Drum Brakes A Step-by-Step Guide

Drum brakes are a common type of braking system found in many vehicles, especially older models. While they are known for their reliability, they can sometimes become stuck, making removal and replacement difficult. If you're facing this issue, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to safely and effectively take off stuck drum brakes.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before diving into the removal process, it’s essential to understand how drum brakes function. Drum brakes consist of a drum, brake shoes, and various springs and hardware. When you press the brake pedal, the brake shoes expand against the inside of the drum, creating friction that slows down the vehicle. Over time, wear and tear can cause the brakes to stick due to rust, corrosion, or debris buildup.

Safety First

Always prioritize safety when working on your vehicle. Start by ensuring that your car is parked on a flat surface, the engine is off, and the keys are removed from the ignition. If you're working on the rear brakes, remember to engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Tools You Will Need

1. Jack and jack stands 2. Lug wrench 3. Brake cleaner 4. Rubber mallet or hammer 5. Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips, depending on your vehicle) 6. Pliers 7. Rust penetrant (like WD-40) 8. Protective gloves and eyewear

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Stuck Drum Brakes

Step 1 Raise the Vehicle

Begin by loosening the lug nuts on the wheel with the stuck drum brake using the lug wrench. Don’t remove them completely yet. Then, use the jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Once the car is stable, finish removing the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

Once the wheel is off, inspect the brake drum for any visible damage or signs of rust. If the drum appears to be rusted or corroded, this could be the reason it is stuck.

Step 3 Apply Rust Penetrant

If you suspect rust is causing the issue, spray a generous amount of rust penetrant around the edges of the drum where it meets the wheel hub. Allow it to soak for several minutes to help loosen any corrosion.

Step 4 Tap the Drum

Using a rubber mallet or a hammer, gently tap around the circumference of the drum. Be careful to avoid striking it too hard, as this can cause damage. Tapping helps to break any corrosion or debris that may be holding the drum in place.

Step 5 Try to Remove the Drum

After tapping, see if you can pull the drum off. If it won’t budge, you may need to adjust the brake shoes. Most drum brakes have an adjustment screw that you can turn to retract the brake shoes. Look for a hole on the back of the drum where you can access the adjuster with a screwdriver.

Step 6 Remove the Adjuster

If necessary, turn the adjuster to loosen the shoes, then attempt to remove the drum again. If the drum is still stuck, you may need to tap it again after adjusting the shoes.

Step 7 Check for Broken Springs or Hardware

If the drum still won’t come off, there may be a broken spring or some other hardware issue. Inspect the internal components through the access hole, and if anything appears broken or out of place, they will need to be repaired or replaced.

Step 8 Final Removal

Once you’ve resolved any hardware issues, tap the drum lightly again and try pulling it off. It should eventually come loose.

Conclusion

Removing stuck drum brakes can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and patience, it is certainly manageable. Always ensure you are following safety protocols, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional mechanic if you face insurmountable obstacles. Regular maintenance and inspection of your brake system can help prevent issues from arising in the future. Happy repairing!