How to Remove Drum Brake Cover

Removing Drum Brake Cover A Step-by-Step Guide

Drum brakes are an essential component of many vehicles, especially older models. While disc brakes have gained popularity due to their better performance, drum brakes are still widely used, particularly in rear-wheel drive vehicles. To maintain and inspect your drum brakes, you may need to remove the drum brake cover. In this article, we will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively remove a drum brake cover.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials

1. Safety glasses 2. Work gloves 3. Jack and jack stands 4. Lug wrench 5. Brake cleaner 6. Appropriate socket and wrench set 7. Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips) 8. Pliers 9. Torque wrench (for reinstallation)

Safety First

Proper safety precautions are crucial when working on your vehicle. Ensure that you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from debris and sharp edges. Always work in a well-ventilated area, and never work under a vehicle supported solely by a jack. Use jack stands to secure the vehicle once it’s lifted.

Step 1 Preparing the Vehicle

Start by parking your vehicle on a flat surface and engaging the parking brake to prevent any rolling. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels slightly but do not remove them yet. Use a lug wrench for this task.

Step 2 Lifting the Vehicle

Using a jack, lift the rear of the vehicle off the ground. Once elevated, place jack stands under the vehicle at the recommended points in the owner’s manual. This will provide additional security while you work on the brakes.

Step 3 Removing the Wheel

removing drum brake cover

Now that the vehicle is safely supported, completely remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the wheels

. This will give you access to the drum brake assembly.

Step 4 Accessing the Drum Brake Cover

With the wheel removed, you will see the drum brake assembly. The drum brake cover (or drum) is usually held in place by a couple of retaining screws or bolts. Look for these fasteners and use the appropriate socket or screwdriver to remove them.

Step 5 Removing the Drum

Once the retaining screws are out, you may need to give the drum a gentle tap with a hammer to free it from any rust or corrosion that may have formed. If the drum doesn’t come off easily, check for any additional retaining clips that may be holding it in place. In some cases, you might need to adjust the brake shoes inward (via an adjuster screw) to free the drum.

Step 6 Inspecting the Components

After successfully removing the drum brake cover, you can now inspect the brake components, including the shoes, springs, and wheel cylinder. Look for signs of wear, leaks, or damage, and replace any components as necessary.

Step 7 Reassembly

When you’ve completed your inspections or repairs, it’s time to replace the drum brake cover. Align it properly, reattach any screws, and snug them down. Reinstall the wheel, tighten the lug nuts by hand, and lower the vehicle back to the ground. Finally, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Conclusion

Removing the drum brake cover can be a straightforward task if done with care and the right tools. Following these steps will help ensure your brakes are in optimal condition, contributing to your vehicle's overall safety and performance. If at any point you feel unsure about the process, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance.