is it hard to change drum brakes

Is It Hard to Change Drum Brakes?

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, understanding the components of the braking system is crucial. Among various types of brakes, drum brakes are a common choice found in many older and some newer vehicles. If you're a car enthusiast or simply someone wanting to save on repair costs, you may wonder is it hard to change drum brakes? Let’s delve into the intricacies of drum brakes, the replacement process, and whether it's a task that you can tackle yourself.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Drum brakes operate differently from disc brakes. Instead of a rotor clamping down onto a set of brake pads, drum brakes use friction that occurs inside a cylindrical drum. When you press the brake pedal, a set of shoes is forced outward against the inner surface of the drum, creating the necessary friction to slow down or stop the vehicle. Despite their simpler design, drum brakes can sometimes show signs of wear, such as reduced braking performance, noise, or a pulling sensation while braking.

Tools and Preparation

Before embarking on the journey to change drum brakes, it's essential to prepare adequately. You will need some basic tools, including

1. Jack and Jack Stands To lift the vehicle safely. 2. Lug Wrench To remove the wheels. 3. Brake Spring Tool To manage the springs. 4. Screwdrivers Both flat-head and Phillips. 5. C-Clamp To compress the brake cylinder. 6. New Brake Shoes Make sure you choose the right shoes specified for your vehicle.

Before starting the project, ensure that you're working in a well-ventilated area. Wearing safety glasses is also advisable to protect against debris.

The Replacement Process

Changing drum brakes can seem daunting at first, but with a systematic approach, it's manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide

1. Loosen the Lug Nuts Before raising the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where you'll be replacing the brakes. Don’t remove them entirely yet.

2. Raise the Vehicle Use the jack to lift the car and then secure it with jack stands.

3. Remove the Wheel Finish removing the lug nuts and take off the wheel to expose the drum brake assembly.

4. Remove the Brake Drum Inspect the drum for rust or damage and unfasten the retaining screws if applicable. In some cases, you may need to tap the drum gently with a hammer to loosen it.

5. Remove Old Brake Shoes Take note of the configuration of the springs and shoes. You may want to take pictures as a reference. Use the brake spring tool to remove the springs and detach the brake shoes from their location.

6. Install New Brake Shoes After cleaning the backing plate and ensuring it’s in good condition, install the new brake shoes in the same configuration as the old ones. Be sure to connect the springs securely.

7. Reattach the Brake Drum Once the new shoes are in place, put the drum back on. Make sure it spins freely without friction. Adjust the star wheel if necessary to ensure a snug fit.

8. Reinstall the Wheel Place the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts before lowering the vehicle.

9. Lower the Vehicle and Tighten Lug Nuts Once the car is on the ground, fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

10. Test the Brakes Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the shoes seat correctly against the drum.

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing drum brakes is an achievable task for those willing to invest time and effort into learning. With the right tools, some patience, and a systematic approach, many people find that they can handle this job themselves. However, if you feel uncomfortable performing this task, it is always wise to consult a professional mechanic for assistance. Ultimately, understanding your vehicle's components not only saves money in repairs but can also deepen your appreciation for your vehicle's mechanics. So, roll up your sleeves, and good luck with your brake replacement!