How to Take Off Rear Drum Brakes Step-by-Step Guide

How to Remove Rear Drum Brakes A Step-by-Step Guide

Rear drum brakes are a common component in many vehicles, especially older models. Over time, these brakes may require maintenance or replacement due to wear and tear. Removing rear drum brakes might seem challenging, but with the right tools and a clear understanding of the process, it can be accomplished safely and efficiently. This article will guide you through the steps needed to remove rear drum brakes from your vehicle.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting this project, it’s essential to gather all the tools and materials you’ll need. Here’s a list

1. Jack and Jack Stands To lift the vehicle safely. 2. Lug Wrench For removing wheel lug nuts. 3. Brake Drum Puller This tool will help in removing the drum. 4. Pry Bar Useful for loosening the drum if it’s stuck. 5. Screwdriver Set A flathead screwdriver can be helpful in some cases. 6. Brake Cleaner To clean the components once removed. 7. Safety Gear Gloves and safety glasses for personal protection.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation Before starting, ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake to ensure safety during the procedure.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Using a lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Don’t remove them yet; just loosen them enough so they will turn by hand once the vehicle is lifted.

3. Lift the Vehicle Position the jack under the vehicle’s designated lift points and carefully raise it. Once elevated, place the jack stands under the vehicle to provide additional support.

4. Remove the Rear Wheels Now that the vehicle is securely elevated, completely remove the loosened lug nuts and pull the rear wheels off. Set them aside in a safe location.

5. Inspect the Brake Drum Before removing the drum, take a moment to inspect its condition. Look for any visible damage or excessive wear. If everything seems normal, proceed to the next step.

6. Check for Retaining Screws or Clips Some brake drums are secured with retaining screws or clips. If your drum has these, remove them using the appropriate tools.

7. Use a Brake Drum Puller If the drum is stuck due to rust or debris, you might need a brake drum puller. Attach the puller to the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Gradually tighten the puller’s central bolt to apply pressure until the drum releases. If you don’t have a puller, you can gently tap the edges of the drum with a mallet, but be cautious to avoid damaging any components.

8. Pry Off the Drum if Needed If the drum still does not budge, you can use a pry bar to carefully lever it off. Place the pry bar between the drum and the backing plate, applying a small amount of pressure. Be gentle to avoid damaging the brake shoes behind the drum.

9. Remove the Brake Shoes Once the drum is removed, you may need to take off the brake shoes for more extensive repairs or replacements. This typically involves removing several springs and clips, which can be a delicate process. Make sure to keep track of where each part goes for reassembly.

10. Clean and Inspect After removing the drum and shoes, clean the components with brake cleaner. Inspect everything for wear and replace any damaged parts as necessary.

11. Reassembly If you replaced the brake shoes or any other components, follow the reverse order of disassembly to reassemble the brakes. Ensure everything is tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.

12. Reattach the Wheels Once you are satisfied with the brake assembly, place the wheels back onto the hubs. Hand-tighten the lug nuts before lowering the vehicle.

13. Lower the Vehicle and Tighten Nuts Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle with the jack. Once on the ground, use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.

Conclusion

Removing rear drum brakes may seem daunting, especially for those new to automotive repair, but it’s manageable with the right tools and an understanding of the process. Always take safety precautions and refer to your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions related to your make and model. Remember that if at any point you feel uncomfortable performing these tasks, it’s best to consult with or hire a professional mechanic. Proper maintenance of your braking system is crucial for safe driving, so don’t neglect this important aspect of vehicle care.