Essential Tools Needed for Drum Brake Replacement and Maintenance

Tools for a Drum Brake Job A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, brake systems play a critical role in ensuring safety on the road. Drum brakes, although less common in modern vehicles than disc brakes, still serve a vital function in many cars, especially on the rear wheels. Performing a drum brake job requires specific tools and knowledge. This article outlines the essential tools and best practices to ensure a successful drum brake repair.

Essential Tools for the Job

1. Jack and Jack Stands Before you can get to the brakes, you need to lift the vehicle safely. A hydraulic floor jack is recommended for quick lifting, while jack stands are vital for security. Never rely solely on the jack for support; always use jack stands to prevent accidents.

2. Lug Wrench To remove the wheel, a lug wrench is essential. Ensure you have the right size for your vehicle’s lug nuts. Consider a breaker bar for stubborn nuts that won’t budge easily.

3. Drum Brake Return Spring Tool This specialized tool is designed to help install and remove the return springs safely without damaging other components. It provides leverage and control, making the job much easier.

4. Brake Adjusting Tool This tool helps adjust the brake shoes in the drum. It typically features a flat end that fits into the adjusting mechanism and provides the leverage needed to turn it.

5. Brake Cleaner This is crucial for cleaning the brake components. Brake cleaner removes dust, grease, and debris that can affect braking performance. Always work in a well-ventilated area when using brake cleaner.

6. C-clamp or Brake Tool A C-clamp can compress the brake shoes for reinstallation. Alternatively, a brake tool is specifically designed for this purpose and can make the task more manageable.

7. Torque Wrench It’s important to tighten lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. A torque wrench ensures that you don’t over-tighten or under-tighten the lug nuts, which can lead to wheel issues.

8. Flathead and Phillips Screwdrivers These are basic tools that come in handy for removing any screws and clips securing the brake drum or components.

9. Pliers Needle-nose pliers are helpful for gripping and twisting springs and clips that may be difficult to handle with fingers alone.

10. Replacement Parts Don’t forget to have new brake shoes, drum hardware kits, and wheel cylinders (if needed) on hand. It’s always best to replace worn components to ensure optimal braking performance.

Performing the Brake Job

1. Safety First Always wear safety gloves and goggles. Make sure the vehicle is on a flat surface and, after lifting, ensure it is steady.

2. Remove the Wheel Use the lug wrench to take off the wheel and set it aside.

3. Inspect the Brake Drum Check the condition of the drum for any cracks or excessive wear. If you find any issues, it may need to be resurfaced or replaced.

4. Remove the Brake Drum Depending on the vehicle, you may need to remove retaining screws or clips. Once free, slide the drum off.

5. Remove Old Brake Shoes Pay attention to spring orientation and component placement. Use your spring tool to remove the springs securely.

6. Install New Brake Shoes Follow the reverse order of removal, ensuring to use the new springs and hardware from your replacement kit.

7. Adjust the Brake Shoes Use the brake adjusting tool to ensure proper positioning before reinstalling the drum.

8. Reinstall the Brake Drum Slide the drum back onto the axle, ensuring it fits securely.

9. Reattach the Wheel Put the wheel back on, hand-tightening the lug nuts, and then use the torque wrench for the final tightening.

10. Test the Brakes Before driving, pump the brakes a few times to ensure they’re functioning correctly and allow the shoes to seat properly against the drum.

Conclusion

A drum brake job can be a straightforward task if you have the right tools and follow the appropriate steps. By ensuring safety and using the correct equipment, you'll not only restore your vehicle's braking performance but also save on professional labor costs. Regular maintenance of your braking system is key to safe driving, so don’t overlook this important aspect of vehicle care.